AP European History: Formation of the European Union

Historical Context

• Pre-20th Century Europe: United by the Roman Catholic Church.
• Protestant Reformation: Led to centuries of conflict between European nations.
• Post World Wars: Europe sought solutions to prevent future large-scale conflicts.

Steps Towards European Cooperation

Economics as a Foundation

• Marshall Plan:

  • US invested $13 billion in European reconstruction.
  • Funds required cooperative use among European nations.

• Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC):

  • Managed the distribution and spending of Marshall Plan funds.

Formation of Economic Communities

• European Coal and Steel Community (1951):

  • Formed by six nations: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
  • Integrated coal and steel industries to prevent war.

• Expansion to the Common Market (1957):

  • Extended economic cooperation to additional goods.
  • Facilitated trade and travel between member states.

Establishment of the European Union

Maastricht Treaty (1993)

• Formation of the EU:

  • Initially included 12 countries.
  • Not solely economic but political integration.

• Political and Economic Integration:

  • Creation of EU governance bodies (parliament, executive body, ministerial group).
  • Introduction of the Euro currency for economic unity.

Challenges and Tensions

National Sovereignty vs. Union Responsibilities

• Sovereignty:

  • Nations want to maintain individual identity and interests.

• Union Advantages:

  • Economic and political strength in unity.

Brexit

• United Kingdom's Exit from the EU (2016-2020):
  • Motivated by issues like EU immigration policies.
  • Reflected tension between national independence and union benefits.

Review and Resources

• Links to additional AP Euro resources and review packs for students preparing for exams.