European Unity

Abstract

The omnipresent fear and impotence of small nations in a world dominated by superpowers, the desire to incorporate Germany into a federated Europe so as to prevent a recurrence of war and its attendant devastation, the longing for the economic advantages thought to be inherent in a larger economic unit — together, these provided the initial impetus for European integration. The unification movement had slowed by the 1950s, but then the Soviet Union crushed the Hungarian Revolution, the British and French failed at Suez, and Europe lost its colonial empire. All these now convinced a growing number of Europeans who had originally opposed union that closer cooperation might be their only salvation. Externally, the United States pressured Europe to cooperate so that it could pay for more of its own reconstruction, restore its markets for American goods, and prevent calamitous political developments similar to those that followed World War I.

The creation of a large internal market is indispensable to make it possible for Europeans to take their place in the world again.

Jean Monnet, Les Etats-Unis d’Europe Ont Commencé: Discours et Allocutions, 1952–1954

Why should we have recourse to this idea, to this new-fangled supranational institution [European Coal and Steel Community]? To enable Germany to accept restrictions on her own sovereignty which is being gradually and irrevocably restored to her. And if we wish to make Germany accept these restrictions, we must set her an example.… It will mean identical renunciation on both sides and in the most delicate matters, such as the army and the production of coal and steel, products essential to the preparation of war and for the formation of policy.

Robert Schuman, French Policy Towards Germany since the War