German question, Treaties of Paris, ECSC, Pleven Plan Flashcards
What is the first example of European integration?
1815 with the defeat of Napoleon. The balance of power in Europe was restored.
What is the core idea behind balance of power?
To prevent the existence of a dominating state to prevent wars on the European continent. States would have equal amounts of power.
Did the balance of power idea work?
No, there were a lot of armed conflicts and death since this time.
What is the German question?
How is France going to contain Germany without foreign support?
What led to the German question?
Three Franco-German wars. The Franco-Prussian war of 1870 was the most important, as it led to the unification of Germany. This was a key turning point for the balance of power, because they became a leading European land power. This led to the German empire, which in turn led to Nazi Germany.
How did the Franco-Prussian war lead to the unification of Germany?
Thought of Bismarck that if the länder could conquer France, they could form a single state.
How was the German question answered?
- Partitioning of Germany into allied zones (US, France, Britain, SU). This became more permanent due to the relations between west and east worsening, which led to the BRD and DDR.
- Non-European holders of balance of power. This would maintain BOP in Europe by having outside influence. This caused a western vs eastern bloc by US and SU.
- Spheres of influence. 2 led to implicit understanding of spheres of influence.
Context that led to the idea of the ECSC
Mood of wanting change, to not return to pre-war ways. It had destroyed infrastructure, economies and social cohesion due to Nazi collaboration in governments. This led to more support of federalist ideas, mostly in countries that had suffered from fascism.
There were concerns such as:
1. The emerging cold war caused security issues (DDR).
2. France felt that the partitioning of Germany wasn’t enough, a more permanent solution was needed for security concerns.
3. Most of the resources needed to strengthen economies were in Germany, but it could not be allowed to get rebuilt.
Why the idea of ECSC? Monney’s three questions
Monnet French civil servant was busy with these concerns. There were three questions:
1. How can we prevent another war?
Europeans were becoming more nationalist, which blocked the idea of a united Europe.
2. How can the European economy be restored?
German resources, but how to prevent Germany from rebuilding industry?
3. How can the rise of communism be stopped?
Spread of communism after WWII, not a good partner
What was the answer to Monnet’s questions?
European integration was the answer. The goal was an economically, united western Europe. Monnet had no confidence in a free-market, because this had not worked for France.
What was the goal for setting up the ECSC?
- Integrate west European economies. A bigger scheme would be too ambitious, so coal and steel would be the starting points.
- It would also prevent Germany from going to war, because of dependency on other countries
- Decartelisation of coal and steel industries, as they were Nazi’s.
How did the ECSC get set up?
Monnet proposed questions to Schuman, French Foreign minister.
This was presented in the 1950s in the Paris Treaties.
The declaration called for an organised Europe.
What did the Schuman declaration entail?
Call for organised Europe, as there were threats to world peace which could only be solved on a grand scale. This needed to be done in small steps, by solidarity and small achievements to create trust. The France/Germany relationship needed to be fixed. The Franco-German production of coal and steel would be placed under a common High Authority and would be open to other countries. The pooling of resources would set up common foundations for economic development and a step towards a federation of Europe.
Why did the pooling of resources/ECSC need a supranational organisation?
- Shows commitment to European integration
- Easier for an IO to enforce compliance
- More efficient
What was France’s position on the ECSC?
- Coal supply = economic recovery
- German economic recovery without mobilization