1.15 Foreign Policy: Britain and Europe Flashcards
(36 cards)
How did France and Britain’s perspectives on European cooperation contrast?
France sought economic cooperation to strengthen itself and control Germany within a wider European framework. Britain supported German economic growth, leading to significant division between the two.
Why did British policy differ from other European countries post-WWII?
Bevin believed in European cooperation to bolster Britain’s global role but was cautious of centralized power. The Anglo-American alliance couldn’t be compromised. Britain and mainland Europe had divergent post-war experiences.
What was the Schuman Plan and its significance?
Proposed by Robert Schuman, it suggested a single authority to control coal and steel production in France and West Germany. This initiative led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, marking a crucial step in European integration.
What was the primary goal of the Treaty of Paris in 1951?
The treaty aimed to create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) to foster reconciliation between France and Germany and establish a single market for coal and steel among member nations.
Why did Britain not join the talks in 1950 that led to the ECSC?
Britain opted out due to concerns about surrendering national sovereignty and differing economic conditions in its coal and steel industries.
What were the main reasons given by British leaders for not joining the ECSC?
British leaders prioritized consolidating the Commonwealth, nurturing a close relationship with the USA, and believed that Britain’s interests were more global than European.
What were some criticisms leveled against Britain for not joining the ECSC?
Critics argued that Britain missed an opportunity and that failure to join was seen as a significant post-war mistake, as it limited potential benefits and influence within Europe.
What concerns did British leaders have about joining the ECSC or later the EEC?
Worries centered around issues of supranationalism, fears about the effectiveness of the ECSC, and reservations about surrendering national control over industries and policy-making.
What was Churchill’s stance on Britain’s involvement in a European Federation?
Churchill believed Britain should not become an integral part of a European Federation. He emphasized Britain’s role as a world power and sought to maintain a link between America, the Commonwealth, and Europe.
What was the European Defence Community (EDC), and why did Churchill call it a ‘sludgy amalgam’?
The EDC aimed to create a European army and allow Germany to rearm under NATO. Churchill referred to it as a ‘sludgy amalgam’ due to its complexities and likely because it didn’t align with his vision for Britain’s role in Europe.
How did Eden navigate Britain’s relationship with the EDC?
Eden worked to prevent Britain from being seen as undermining the EDC while maintaining a stance of benevolence toward supranationalism. He aimed to encourage the European army while avoiding too close an integration of Britain with the continent.
What was the outcome of the EDC?
The EDC faced failure as the French, who initially proposed it, changed their minds and voted against it. This led to disappointment for the US and confirmed some of Britain’s doubts about the feasibility of a European army.
What steps did Britain take regarding the EDC despite its failure?
Despite the EDC’s collapse, Britain signed a fifty-year mutual security treaty with the six nations involved, maintaining some level of cooperation and security commitment despite not being part of the EDC itself.
What did Butler declare about the Messina Talks?
The Chancellor, Butler, declared he was ‘bored’ by the talks and that Eden was ‘even more bored than I was’
What was the Western European Union (WEU) about?
The WEU was a group of countries that wanted to work together without a bossy leader. They agreed that West Germany could have an army under NATO, and Britain said it would keep some soldiers and planes in Europe.
What happened during the Messina Talks in 1955?
People talked about making more deals like the European Coal and Steel Community for things like energy and transport. Britain joined in but didn’t like how things were going.
What did Britain want during the Messina Talks?
Britain joined to try to steer the discussions, not give up control. They cared more about trade with the whole world and their friendship with other countries.
What happened after Britain joined the Messina Talks?
Britain didn’t like where the talks were going, so they left the meetings. Then they made their own plan called Plan G.
What was the goal of Britain’s Plan G?
Plan G was what Britain made after leaving the talks. It was their way of saying, “We want to trade freely with everyone and stay close to our friends in the Commonwealth, not just Europe.”
What was Plan G all about?
Plan G was a way for Britain to do free trade with some European countries without joining a big group like the EEC. It was less about working closely together and more about trading freely.
What was special about Plan G compared to the EEC?
Unlike the EEC, Plan G didn’t try to merge economies or have strong rules. It let Britain control its own trade and didn’t force them to choose between Europe and their other friends.
Why did Britain make Plan G?
Britain wanted to trade freely without getting too involved with Europe. They thought Europe needed them more than they needed Europe.
What happened after Britain walked away from the Spaak Committee?
The Spaak Committee made deals for an atomic energy group (Eurotam) and the EEC without Britain. Britain had its own Plan G but missed chances to shape the original deals.
What happened after Britain didn’t join the EEC?
Instead of joining the EEC, Britain formed the EFTA, a smaller trade group. But by not joining the EEC, Britain missed chances to guide it and control its future developments. Later on, Britain started feeling pressure to lean more towards Europe.
