APEURO: Unit 9, Cold War and Contemporary Europe - European Integration, European Coal and Steel Community, EEC, Maastricht Treaty, EU, Euro

Why This Matters

European Integration is a pivotal topic in modern European history, reflecting the continent's shift from a fragmented, nationalist landscape to a more unified, supranational entity. This process has significant implications for understanding the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it demonstrates the ability of international institutions to shape economic and political relationships among nations. The European Union's (EU) emergence and evolution have also had far-reaching consequences for global trade, security, and governance, making it essential to grasp this topic for a comprehensive understanding of the 20th century.

Key Events & People

• Jean Monnet (1888-1979): A French diplomat who played a crucial role in establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, laying the groundwork for European integration.
• Robert Schuman (1886-1963): The French foreign minister who proposed the creation of the ECSC in 1950, aiming to integrate European coal and steel production to prevent future wars.
• The Treaty of Paris (1951): Established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), a precursor to the European Economic Community (EEC) and the EU.
• The Treaty of Rome (1957): Created the European Economic Community (EEC), a customs union that aimed to eliminate trade barriers among member states.
• The Maastricht Treaty (1992): Established the European Union (EU) and introduced a common currency, the Euro, as well as a common foreign and security policy.
• Helmut Kohl (1930-2017): The German chancellor who played a key role in German reunification and the Maastricht Treaty negotiations.
• Jacques Delors (1925-present): A French politician who served as the president of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and was instrumental in shaping the EU's economic and social policies.
• The Single European Act (1986): Amended the EEC treaty to create a single market, eliminating trade barriers and promoting economic integration.
• The Schengen Agreement (1985): Established a passport-free travel area among participating EU countries, further integrating European borders.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The devastation of World War II led to a desire for European integration and cooperation.
• Effect: The creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 marked the beginning of European integration.

• Long-term consequence: The EU's emergence has promoted economic growth, stability, and peace in Europe, while also shaping global trade and governance.

• Cause: The Maastricht Treaty's introduction of a common currency, the Euro, aimed to promote economic integration and stability.

• Effect: The Euro's creation has facilitated trade and investment within the EU, but also raised concerns about economic sovereignty and fiscal discipline.

• Long-term consequence: The Eurozone crisis has highlighted the need for greater fiscal integration and coordination among EU member states.

• Cause: The EU's expansion has been driven by a desire to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in Eastern Europe.

• Effect: The EU's enlargement has brought new member states into the fold, but also raised concerns about integration, migration, and economic disparities.
• Long-term consequence: The EU's continued expansion will require greater coordination and cooperation among member states to address these challenges.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Supranationalism*: A system in which institutions and laws take precedence over national sovereignty.
• *Customs union*: A trade agreement that eliminates tariffs and other trade barriers among member states.
• *Single market*: A market in which goods, services, and capital can move freely among member states.
• *Eurozone*: The area where the Euro is the official currency, comprising 19 of the 27 EU member states.
• *Maastricht criteria*: The economic criteria that EU member states must meet to adopt the Euro, including low inflation and budget deficits.
• *Schengen Agreement*: A treaty that established a passport-free travel area among participating EU countries.
• *European Commission*: The executive body of the EU, responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies.
• *Council of the European Union*: The EU's legislative body, comprising representatives from each member state.
• *European Parliament*: The EU's directly elected legislative body, representing the interests of EU citizens.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was created in 1950, not 1951.
• Correction: The ECSC was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1951, but the idea was first proposed by Robert Schuman in 1950.
• What students often get wrong: The Maastricht Treaty introduced a common currency, the Euro, in 1993, not 1992.
• Correction: The Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, but the Euro was introduced in 1999, with physical coins and banknotes introduced in 2002.
• What students often get wrong: The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, but it did not come into effect until 1995.
• Correction: The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, but it was implemented in 1995, allowing for passport-free travel among participating countries.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in promoting European integration. Use evidence from the Treaty of Paris, Robert Schuman's speeches, and the ECSC's early achievements to support your argument.
• Possible document-based question: Examine the impact of the Maastricht Treaty on European integration. Use evidence from the treaty text, Jacques Delors' speeches, and the EU's economic indicators to assess the treaty's effects.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the benefits and challenges of a common currency, the Euro, in the European Union. Use evidence from the Maastricht Treaty, the Eurozone crisis, and the EU's economic indicators to support your argument.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary goal of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?
2. Correct answer: To integrate European coal and steel production to prevent future wars.
3. Explanation: The ECSC aimed to eliminate trade barriers and promote cooperation in the coal and steel sectors to prevent the kind of economic nationalism that contributed to World War II.
4. Which treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC)?
5. Correct answer: The Treaty of Rome.
6. Explanation: The Treaty of Rome created the EEC, a customs union that aimed to eliminate trade barriers among member states.
7. What is the name of the EU's executive body?
8. Correct answer: The European Commission.
9. Explanation: The European Commission is responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies, and is composed of commissioners appointed by the member states.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1951 by the Treaty of Paris.
• The Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992 and introduced the Euro in 1999.
• The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995.
• The European Economic Community (EEC) was created by the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
• The European Union (EU) was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.
• The Eurozone crisis began in 2009 and led to a sovereign debt crisis in several EU member states.
• The EU's enlargement has brought 28 member states into the fold since 1957.
• The European Commission is composed of 28 commissioners, one from each member state.
• The European Parliament has 751 members, representing the interests of EU citizens.
• The EU's budget is approximately €160 billion, allocated to various programs and initiatives.