Britain and the Eu
Assignment 1:
1.
In 1957 the EU was fashioned to elevate the living standards of its members by encouraging peace, democracy and equality for the countries that had joined the partnership. Its aims were to end war and repair the division of the European continent. It has become a unique economic and political partnership consisting of 27 European countries with around 500 million inhabitants (see figure 1 in appendix).
This map shows the 27 (coloured) EU countries (Grey countries are candidates)
It was not until 1973, the EU’s first enlargement, that the UK became involved on account of the then Prime Minister, Edward Heath. The UK did not join the EU from the start as it chose to stay with a rival group called the European Free Trade Area. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that it became apparent the living standards of France and Germany surpassed those of the British and their Government (under Macmillan). Additionally, French president Charles De Gaulle vetoed their first application (1963) considering the UK as inappropriate candidates – not a good asset and a liability to the union.
Despite the assistance it provided other countries during the war and its eventual success, Britain suffered post-World War II with stunted economic growth, high inflation and poor industrial relations; her position in the hierarchy of the world had dropped and it was a difficult matter to cope with. The empire was falling and so was its trade.
Also, the US encouraged the UK to join, due to fears of France trying to take control of Europe, in attempt to balance out the power struggle.
It was Edward Heath’s opinion that due to its economic and political ills Britain would benefit from joining the EU; economically to increase trade and politically to form unity and stability for the failing empire. British membership was sealed by a referendum in its favour held in 1975.
The general advantages of its membership include
1.
In 1957 the EU was fashioned to elevate the living standards of its members by encouraging peace, democracy and equality for the countries that had joined the partnership. Its aims were to end war and repair the division of the European continent. It has become a unique economic and political partnership consisting of 27 European countries with around 500 million inhabitants (see figure 1 in appendix).
This map shows the 27 (coloured) EU countries (Grey countries are candidates)
It was not until 1973, the EU’s first enlargement, that the UK became involved on account of the then Prime Minister, Edward Heath. The UK did not join the EU from the start as it chose to stay with a rival group called the European Free Trade Area. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that it became apparent the living standards of France and Germany surpassed those of the British and their Government (under Macmillan). Additionally, French president Charles De Gaulle vetoed their first application (1963) considering the UK as inappropriate candidates – not a good asset and a liability to the union.
Despite the assistance it provided other countries during the war and its eventual success, Britain suffered post-World War II with stunted economic growth, high inflation and poor industrial relations; her position in the hierarchy of the world had dropped and it was a difficult matter to cope with. The empire was falling and so was its trade.
Also, the US encouraged the UK to join, due to fears of France trying to take control of Europe, in attempt to balance out the power struggle.
It was Edward Heath’s opinion that due to its economic and political ills Britain would benefit from joining the EU; economically to increase trade and politically to form unity and stability for the failing empire. British membership was sealed by a referendum in its favour held in 1975.
The general advantages of its membership include