Why, How and When did Britain Join the EU? (Short Animated Documentary)

Summary

The video explores Britain's historical journey to join the European Economic Community (EEC), which later became the European Union. Initially hesitant, Britain sought membership in the early 1960s due to economic pressures and fears of being left behind. However, repeated vetoes from French President Charles de Gaulle and concerns over the British pound hindered its efforts. After de Gaulle's departure, Britain successfully applied for membership in 1972 alongside Denmark and Ireland, ultimately leading to a public referendum that confirmed its EU membership. The narrative highlights the complex interplay of economics and politics that shaped Britain's European integration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Britain initially applied to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1961, before it evolved into the European Union (EU).
• 😀 The EEC was formed by six nations, and Britain's economic focus was shifting away from the Commonwealth towards Europe.
• 😀 Britain first sought a free trade agreement with the EEC but ultimately formed the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) instead.
• 😀 Economic pressures in the 1960s led to a renewed push for EEC membership under Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1961.
• 😀 The major obstacles to Britain's entry included the United States' foreign policy and French President Charles de Gaulle's veto.
• 😀 De Gaulle's opposition stemmed from concerns about Britain's ties to the Commonwealth and potential U.S. influence in Europe.
• 😀 Britain made a second application in 1967, which was also vetoed by de Gaulle due to concerns about the stability of the British Pound.
• 😀 After de Gaulle's presidency, Britain used collective bargaining in 1972 to apply for EEC membership alongside Denmark, Ireland, and Norway.
• 😀 The joint application strategy succeeded, leading to Britain's acceptance into the EEC, while Norway opted to stay with EFTA.
• 😀 A public referendum in 1975 confirmed widespread support for continued membership, paving the way for the evolution of the EEC into the EU in 1993.

Q & A

What was the primary reason Britain sought to join the EEC?

Britain's primary interest in joining the EEC was economic, as its economy was not growing as fast as those of the other European nations.

What was the EFTA, and why did Britain initially join it?

The EFTA, or European Free Trade Association, was created by Britain and other nations as an alternative to the EEC, allowing for reduced trade barriers with the EEC without full membership.

Who vetoed Britain's application to join the EEC in 1963, and what were his reasons?

French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's application, citing concerns that Britain's entry would weaken its ties to the Commonwealth and allow American influence in European affairs.

What was the significance of the British pound's stability in the context of EEC membership?

De Gaulle believed that the British pound was too unstable for Britain to join the EEC and suggested that it needed to be devalued first, which was a major obstacle to membership.

What strategies did Britain use after being vetoed twice by de Gaulle?

Britain waited for de Gaulle to leave office and used collective bargaining by applying jointly with Denmark, Ireland, and Norway to strengthen its position for EEC membership.

How did public opinion influence Britain's decision to join the EEC?

A referendum held three years after Britain's application showed overwhelming public support for continued membership in the EEC, reflecting positive sentiment towards integration.

What changes occurred in the European Communities leading to the formation of the European Union?

The European Communities evolved into the European Union in 1993, representing a significant step in European integration and cooperation.

Why was the timing of Britain's application to join the EEC important?

Timing was crucial because de Gaulle's presidency eventually ended, which allowed Britain to reapply for EEC membership without his veto.

What role did the United States play in Britain's decision to join the EEC?

Britain was concerned that joining the EEC would not conflict with American foreign policy, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ties with the U.S. during this period.

What was the outcome of the 1972 joint application to join the EEC?

The 1972 joint application was accepted by the EEC, leading to Britain's eventual membership, although Norway chose not to join.