Foreign Developments: Relationship with Europe Flashcards
What did De Gaulle tell Britain they needed to do to join the EEC?
British entry to Europe would require abandoning the Commonwealth and the Special Relationship
What did De Gaulle say to his country after denying Britain EEC entry?
He exclaimed that Macmillan visibly cried
What is significant about how De Gaulle described Macmillan?
It showed the little respect for the once very powerful Britain
Why were British politicians suspicious of ‘supranational’ organisations like the EEC?
They did not want to pool all of their industries into these as they felt they’d lose control over them
What did Churchill want for Europe?
He wanted a United States of Europe
What was a limitation of Churchill’s wishes for Europe?
It created a more emotional response instead
What did Eden propose for Europe?
He wanted a Western European Union
What would the WEU have done?
Created a non-supranational alliance
What was a positive impact of Eden’s proposals?
It won Eden a lot of prestige
What was a limitation of Eden’s proposals? Why?
Europe did not adopt the proposals, feeling Britain may lead the WEU process
Name 2 EEC Countries
France, Italy
When did the EEC become a proper organisation?
1957
What did Britain propose to rival the EEC? What was unique about it?
European Free Trade Association. No external tarriff on the rest of the world
What were the key terms of the EEC when it was founded?
Common Agricultural Policy
Common Market Establishment
What is a Common Agricultural policy?
System ending rural poverty where poor areas are given some money from rich areas and high food prices
What percentage of all British Exports went to the Commonwealth around 1957?
40%
In the EEC, how much had French production risen from 1953-61? And Germany? Britain?
France 75%
Germany 90%
Britain 30%
How might the decolonisation process made Britain more inclined to join the EEC?
They were making less money from the Empire
How did the Decolonisation process also help ability to join the EEC?
There would not be Commonwealth obstruction if Britain was to now join the EEC
What was the balance of payments deficit in 1960? Why significant to needing to join the EEC?
£270 million. Cheaper import tariffs as more trade was happening with Europe than the Empire now
What was the result of Macmillans application?
It was vetoed by De Gaulle in 1963
What were the other EEC countries opinion on British entry?
They wanted Britain to join the EEC
How did the Commonwealth impact the EEC denial?
De Gaulle felt there would be too many obstructions with the Commonwealth
What was a limitation of what De Gaulle said about Commonwealth obstruction?
EEC recently agreed to provide economic aid to former French Colonies in Africa
What was the long term significance of this veto for Britain?
They would be out of European affairs for another 10 years and not be able to achieve economic stability
