European Integration: Post-WWII Foundations and Cold War Dynamics

Why does integration matter in the context of globalization?

It may create incentives for supranational authority to intervene in functions traditionally restricted to state power.

What dual role does the EU play in relation to capitalism?

The EU promotes free market competition while also addressing the negative implications of capitalism through social market policies.

What is an example of EU policy aimed at promoting solidarity?

Subsidizing European agriculture to protect farmers from international competition.

How does the EU differ from the UN in terms of authority?

The EU has supranational authority and can impose regulations in certain areas, while the UN lacks this component.

What significant regulation did the EU Commission mandate in June 2022?

The EU Commission made USB-C ports mandatory in all computers, smartphones, and tablets by the end of 2024.

How many countries are members of the EU?

27 countries.

What is the total population of the EU?

Approximately 450 million people.

What is the GDP of the EU compared to the US?

The EU's GDP is 19.4 trillion, while the US's GDP is 29.2 trillion.

What is the 'Brussels effect'?

The global spillover of more stringent and/or far-reaching EU regulations.

What was the significance of 1945 in European history?

It marked the end of WWII and the beginning of a new era for Europe, shifting from isolation to integration.

What does neo-realism in cinema aim to achieve?

It seeks to portray reality in an unfiltered manner, reflecting true life experiences.

What was the Ventotene Manifesto?

A document advocating for a federalist Europe as a response to fascism and aggressive nationalism.

What are the two main types of internationalism discussed?

Socialist internationalism and liberal internationalism.

Who were some influential figures in the founding of the EU?

Many were Christian democrats, emphasizing a universal approach transcending national boundaries.

What was the main argument of the Ventotene Manifesto?

The link between large-scale capitalism and state power is the main enemy of Europe, leading to nationalism and totalitarianism.

What was the Cold War's impact on Europe?

It split Europe into two spheres of influence, marginalizing it within a bipolar world dominated by the US and USSR.

What were the two visions for European federalism post-WWII?

1. A constitutional process from the ground up; 2. A step-by-step gradual process.

What was the role of the US in Western Europe during the Cold War?

The US's imperial plans significantly influenced Western Europe amidst the geopolitical rivalry with the USSR.

What does federalism entail in the context of governance?

A division of labor between different levels of governance with equal legitimacy.

What was the ideological split in socialism after 1917?

The split led to the emergence of communism, which looked to Moscow as a model for the future.

How did the experience of WWII shape European integration?

It fostered a desire for a united Europe based on shared values and the need to overcome fascism.

What are the implications of the EU recognizing Ukraine as a candidate country?

It reflects a commitment to European values and the desire for integration amidst conflict.

What is the significance of the term 'social market' in EU policy?

It refers to a form of capitalism that considers social pressures and aims to mitigate competition's negative effects.

What does the term 'anti-fascist' signify in the context of the resistance movements?

It refers to movements that opposed fascism and sought to establish a new European order based on federalism.

What was the Congress of Europe held in May 1948 intended to address?

It aimed to discuss the future of Europe amidst the Cold War, marking the end of a short journey rather than the beginning of a new one.

What was the outcome of the Congress of Europe regarding federalism?

The postwar dream of a quick federalist turn died during the Congress.

What is the Council of Europe and when was it established?

Established in 1949, it is an intergovernmental organization that has no direct connection to the European Union.

What significant treaty was established by the Council of Europe?

The European Convention on Human Rights (1950).

What were the two main aspirations behind European integration post-WWII?

1. To overcome the legacy of nationalism and fascism. 2. To stabilize economies and polities in the context of the Cold War.

What was the Truman Doctrine and when was it announced?

Announced in March 1947, it stated that the US would support free people resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures.

What was the significance of the Marshall Plan?

It aimed to contain communism by promoting economic prosperity in Europe, thereby making capitalism more appealing.

What was the Bizone and when was it established?

The Bizone was established on January 1, 1947, combining the US and British occupation zones in Germany.

What was the Potsdam Conference's stance on Germany's industry?

It imposed severe restrictions on German industry and rearmament, aiming for deindustrialization.

What was the Morgenthau Plan?

A proposed plan for the deindustrialization and division of Germany into three parts after WWII.

What was the Berlin Blockade and when did it occur?

From June 1948 to May 1949, it was an attempt by Stalin to cut off access to West Berlin, leading to a massive airlift by the US.

How did the US respond to the European Crisis in 1947?

The US proposed the European Recovery Plan, emphasizing transnational economic integration to prevent Soviet influence.

What was the main difference between the Marshall Plan and previous aid programs?

The Marshall Plan primarily offered grants instead of loans, with a focus on long-term commitments.

What was the role of the European Cooperation Administration (ECA) in the Marshall Plan?

It supervised the implementation of the Marshall Plan, ensuring that Europeans identified their own needs.

What was the impact of the Marshall Plan on European integration?

It fostered trust among European nations and facilitated cooperation, ultimately leading to greater integration.

What was the outcome of the division of Germany after WWII?

By Spring 1949, Germany was divided into the Federal Republic (FRG) and the Democratic Republic (GDR).

What was the US's strategy regarding France and Indochina in relation to the Marshall Plan?

The US provided military assistance to France in Indochina to gain their support for the Marshall Plan.

What were the economic conditions in Europe during early 1947?

Europe faced severe shortages, leading to widespread discontent, exemplified by the German demand for coal and bread.

What was the significance of the Stuttgart speech by James Byrnes in 1946?

It marked a shift in US policy, advocating for Germany to be treated as an economic unit rather than being punished.

What was the primary goal of the Marshall Plan according to its proponents?

To prevent communism by demonstrating that capitalism could lead to prosperity.

What was the response of Stalin to the Marshall Plan?

Stalin initially considered it but ultimately vetoed participation for Eastern Europe.

What was the primary focus of the resolutions passed at the Congress of Europe?

The resolutions addressed cultural, economic, and political issues in postwar Europe.

What was the impact of the Marshall Plan on US-European relations?

It solidified American control over European affairs and marked the division of Europe into opposing blocs.

What did the term 'European integration' refer to in the post-WWII context?

The process of unifying European countries economically and politically to prevent future conflicts.

What are counterpart funds?

Funds created through the sale by aid-recipient governments of US commodities in local currency, used for public projects.

What was the European Payments Union?

A multilateral trade system aimed at achieving currency convertibility among 16 countries, with a central clearinghouse to avoid trade discrimination.

What was the primary goal of the Marshall Plan?

To promote productivity and international cooperation in Europe after World War II, helping to rebuild economies and prevent the spread of communism.

How did the Marshall Plan impact European trade?

It led to a significant upswing in intra-European trade, which more than doubled in the 1950s.

What was NATO and when was it established?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in April 1949, was a military alliance where an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

What was the Warsaw Pact?

A military alliance formed in 1955 among Eastern Bloc countries in response to NATO.

What was the Monnet Plan?

A French plan aimed at ensuring access to German raw materials while managing German reconstruction post-WWII.

Who was Jean Monnet?

A key architect of European integration, advocating for internationalism and technocracy in post-war Europe.

What was the Schuman Declaration?

A 1950 proposal to pool coal and steel production among European nations to prevent war and promote cooperation.

What was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?

Established in April 1951, it aimed to create a common market for coal and steel, promoting economic cooperation among member states.

What were the main institutions of the ECSC?

The High Authority, Council of Ministers, Common Assembly, and Court of Justice, each serving distinct roles in governance.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris in 1951?

It created the ECSC, marking a significant step towards European integration and cooperation in post-war recovery.

What were the Petersberg Protocols?

Agreements in November 1949 that marked the first steps towards West Germany's rearmament and participation in international treaties.

What was the impact of the Cold War on European integration?

The Cold War heightened the urgency for Western European countries to integrate economically and militarily to counter Soviet influence.

What was the role of the US in European reconstruction?

The US provided financial aid through the Marshall Plan and supported the rearmament of West Germany as part of NATO.

Who was Robert Schuman?

A French statesman who played a pivotal role in promoting European integration and was instrumental in the Schuman Declaration.

What was the French concern regarding German reconstruction?

France feared that a strong, economically powerful Germany could threaten its own recovery and security.

What was the significance of the 'first British no' regarding European integration?

The UK declined to join the coal and steel community, citing concerns over democratic accountability and national sovereignty.

What was the goal of the Pleven Plan?

To create a European army as an alternative to West German rearmament, addressing French security concerns.

How did the Marshall Plan address productivity in Europe?

By establishing productivity centers and promoting American agricultural and industrial practices as a model for European recovery.

What was the impact of the Marshall Plan on GDP levels in Europe?

Pre-war GDP levels were reached during the program, indicating significant economic recovery.

What was the outcome of the negotiations leading to the ECSC?

Months of hard negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Paris, which established the ECSC as a foundation for future European integration.

What was the role of the High Authority in the ECSC?

It represented the Community and was responsible for overseeing coal and steel production and trade among member states.

What was the significance of the Ruhr area in post-war Germany?

The Ruhr was the most important industrial area in Germany, and its control was crucial for both German reconstruction and French security.

What was the Pleven Plan?

A proposal for a European army that emphasized the need for common institutions rather than just a coalition of national military units.

What was the outcome of the Treaty for the European Defense Community signed in May 1952?

It aimed to create a common army with 40 divisions of 13,000 men each, but required ratification by member states' parliaments.

What was the main governance structure proposed for the European Defense Community?

W German troops would be under supranational control, with no separate German army.

What were the two main perspectives in the debate about European integration in the 1960s?

Intergovernmentalists believed member governments were in charge, while neo-functionalists argued that integration had its own momentum.

What significant event in 1954 contributed to the failure of the European Defense Community?

The French defeat at Dien Bien Phu and the beginning of the revolt in Algeria.

What was the French Parliament's response to the ratification of the European Defense Community in August 1954?

The French Parliament voted against it, fearing a resurgence of Germany and a retreat from the French empire.

What was the significance of the end of German occupation in 1954?

The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) was allowed to have an army and join NATO.

What was the Messina Conference in 1955 focused on?

It aimed to create a common market and Euratom for nuclear energy.

What are the distinctions between free trade areas, customs unions, and common markets?

A free trade area reduces/no tariffs, a customs union adds a common external tariff, and a common market includes free movement of people and services.

What was the outcome of the Suez Canal Crisis in October 1956?

It led to military intervention by France and the UK, resulting in their isolation and humiliation, pushing them towards further European integration.

What treaties were signed in March 1957 at the meeting in Rome?

The treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Community (Euratom).

What were the goals of the European Economic Community (EEC)?

To lay the foundations for an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe, including the removal of trade restrictions.

What was the structure of the EEC's legislative institutions?

It included a Commission, a Council of Ministers, an Assembly/Parliament, and a Court of Justice.

What was Charles De Gaulle's vision for Europe?

He envisioned Europe as a third force between superpowers, centered around a Franco-German axis.

What was the significance of the Elysée Treaty in 1963?

It marked a rapprochement between France and the Federal Republic of Germany.

What was the impact of De Gaulle's veto on UK accession to the EEC?

It prevented Britain from joining the EEC, which De Gaulle viewed as a potential Trojan horse for American influence.

What was the 'Empty Chair Crisis' of 1965-1966?

France withdrew its representatives from the Council of Ministers, paralyzing the community and challenging the decision-making process.

What was the role of the Commission in the legislative process of the EEC?

The Commission initiated legislation, which was then discussed and voted on by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.