8.13 European Integration

Postwar Motives for Unity

After two devastating world wars, European leaders sought to prevent future conflict by tying economies together, especially France and Germany. Economic interdependence, Cold War pressures, and the desire to rebuild prosperity pushed nations toward cooperation. Figures like Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman championed integration as a path to lasting peace.

Building Institutions Step by Step

Integration began with the European Coal and Steel Community (1951), pooling French and German resources under shared control. This expanded into the European Economic Community (1957, Treaty of Rome), creating a common market. Over decades this grew into the European Union (Maastricht Treaty, 1992), adding political cooperation, a common currency (the euro), and open borders.

Challenges and Debates

Integration faced resistance over loss of national sovereignty, economic disparities between member states, and debates over immigration and expansion eastward after the Cold War. Crises like the 2008 recession, the Eurozone debt crisis, and Brexit (2016) revealed ongoing tensions between national identity and supranational cooperation.

Key terms

European Coal and Steel Community (1951)

First integration institution, pooling French and German coal/steel to prevent war; founded by Schuman and Monnet.

Treaty of Rome (1957)

Established the European Economic Community, creating a common market among member states.

Maastricht Treaty (1992)

Created the European Union, deepening political/economic ties and paving the way for the euro.

Euro

Common currency adopted by many EU members to strengthen economic integration.

Brexit (2016)

UK referendum decision to leave the EU, reflecting concerns over sovereignty and immigration.

Try an AP-style question

The European Coal and Steel Community (1951) aimed to…

1. compete with the U.S. militarily
2. restore colonial empires
3. make war between France and Germany unlikely
4. expand German industry alone