This paper is going to examine the connections of the United Kingdom with the European Community (EC) respectively the European Communities in the light of their “close relationship” with the United States of America. It covers the main historical and political developments from 1945 until the accession of United Kingdom to the EC in the year of 1973 and addresses the question why Great Britain only joined that late and what role the closeness to the United States played in this interrelations. An important role will thereby be played also by France, the main opponent of a British accession of the European Community.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: The “special relationship” between the UK and the US
2. The early developments after the 2nd World War
2.1 British Foreign Policy after 2nd World war
3. From the establishment of the EEC respectively Messina Conference until the first application of UK
4. The first application of UK to join the European Communities
5. The difficulties to become a Member State: the second and third application of UK to join European Community and the final accession
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the historical and political dynamics defining the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Community leading up to its 1973 accession, with a primary focus on how the "special relationship" with the United States influenced Britain's European policy.
- Historical evolution of Anglo-American relations post-1945.
- British foreign policy priorities and the "special relationship."
- The impact of Cold War geopolitics and institutional developments in Europe (EEC/ECSC).
- The role of key actors like France and the U.S. in British accession attempts.
- The strategic shift from British Commonwealth orientation to European integration.
Excerpt from the Book
4. The first application of UK to join the European Communities
The reasons for the first British application, which was formally made in August 8th 1961, in order to access the European communities (EEC), were a mixture of political and economic reasons. Already by late 50s British economist understood that economic problems in Britain were due to the Commonwealth orientation that should be replaced by a move towards Western Europe. By the beginning of the 60s therefore the opinion of the Foreign Office changed and became more interested into the relations with the Six also stating that it could have been a mistake not to join EEC. With Macmillan coming into office the mood in elite circles changed towards a more positive attitude towards the EEC also seeing the problem that if the EEC becomes successful that will perhaps become main partner of US displacing Britain. President Eisenhower himself warned Macmillan that the special relationship will deteriorate if Britain will not join the EEC. Regarding France, on the one hand there was a change in attitude of de Gaulle 1960 stating that they want “organised cooperation” for the EEC without supranationalism what would made Britain better fit into the scheme. On the other hand Gaulle wanted defence as well as foreign policy included in the Community, what alarmed actually the British as a strong supporter of NATO wanting from their point of view the US fully involved in the defence of European continent. Thus, not willing to move away from their old world saving role, British wanted not to be left outside these developments in order to hinder solo attempts and Macmillan already prepared some initiatives in summer 1960 when he moved pro-Europeans in key positions in government and hold a debate about “Britain and Europe” in British Parliament. The policy of US however was the crucial factor for his decision to apply for membership with President Eisenhower strongly supporting the
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The “special relationship” between the UK and the US: Provides an overview of the Anglo-American relationship, defining its historical and ideological foundations and establishing the context for Britain's later European integration.
2. The early developments after the 2nd World War: Examines post-war geopolitical shifts, including the establishment of NATO and the rejection of early European integration attempts due to British national interests.
2.1 British Foreign Policy after 2nd World war: Explores the realist approach of British foreign policy, which prioritized global influence and the U.S. relationship over European regional commitments.
3. From the establishment of the EEC respectively Messina Conference until the first application of UK: Analyzes the period of cautious British observation regarding the Messina negotiations and the formation of the EEC, highlighting the economic and political tensions of the era.
4. The first application of UK to join the European Communities: Details the motivations behind the 1961 application, emphasizing the influence of the U.S. and the changing perceptions within the British government.
5. The difficulties to become a Member State: the second and third application of UK to join European Community and the final accession: Chronicles the failed attempts under de Gaulle's veto and the eventual successful accession in 1973 under Edward Heath.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the factors behind the British delay, arguing that the "special relationship" created a psychological barrier that hindered a realistic assessment of Britain's post-war role.
Keywords
Special Relationship, United Kingdom, United States, European Community, EEC, European Integration, Foreign Policy, Harold Macmillan, Edward Heath, Charles de Gaulle, Cold War, Commonwealth, NATO, Supranationalism, Accession
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper examines the United Kingdom's transition toward European Community membership from 1945 to 1973, specifically analyzing the impact of its "special relationship" with the United States on this process.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include post-war British foreign policy, the tension between Atlanticism and European integration, the role of international alliances, and the evolution of economic policy in the UK.
What is the main research question or objective?
The work aims to explain why Britain joined the European Community so late and to determine how the close ties to the U.S. served as a factor in this delay.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The author employs a historical analysis methodology, utilizing academic literature, diplomatic history, and political accounts to trace the development of policy and decision-making over several decades.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the evolution of Anglo-American relations, the failed early integration efforts, the specific context of the three British application attempts, and the internal political shifts within British government.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include the "special relationship," European Community (EEC), British foreign policy, geopolitics, and international alliance dynamics.
How did President Eisenhower influence the first British application?
President Eisenhower strongly supported the UK's participation in the EEC, warning that the failure to do so could weaken the Anglo-American special relationship.
What role did the Nassau Agreement play in the French veto?
The Nassau Agreement, where Britain accepted U.S. nuclear assistance, provided a pretext for Charles de Gaulle to characterize Britain as a U.S. "Trojan horse," leading to his veto of British membership.
What was the strategic shift that allowed for final accession in 1973?
The accession was made possible by a combination of changing British economic realities, a shift in government priorities under Edward Heath, and a re-evaluation of Britain’s global standing.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Julia Scheffler (Author), 2006, Towards an ever closer union? The US-UK special relationship until the UK´s final accession to European Community 1973, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/122293
