Résumé
This essay deals with the historic relations between Great Britain and Europe, and particularly the stages which led Great Britain to join the European Community: Britain's situation in the post-war world, british lack of interest in European unity, GB changes course, British entry in UE etc.
Outline:
Chapter I – Britain's situation in the post-war world
I) Realpolitik. A traditional view of power politics
II) Idealism
Chap II – British lack of interest in European unity ( 1945 – 1960)
I) The Council of Europe
II) The European Coal and Steel Community – The Schuman Plan
III) The European Defense Community
IV) The road to the common market
Chap III – GB changes course 1957 – 1963
I) The Commonwealth
II) The special relationship
III) GB's loss of self confidence
IV) The political process
V) Negotiations and French Veto
Chap IV – British entry
I) Negotiations reopen
II) European integration as a political issue