British Euroscepticism: From Post-War to Brexit

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Questions and Answers

What was the main objective of the Schuman Declaration of 1950?

To promote peace through binding economic cooperation among European countries.

Why did Britain reject the Schuman Plan and the Treaty of Paris in the early 1950s?

Britain believed that the ECSC would not last and preferred to align with NATO and the Commonwealth.

What was the significance of the Suez Crisis in 1956 for British foreign policy?

It highlighted Britain's decline as a superpower and prompted a re-evaluation of its role in Europe.

What was the purpose of the Bonn-Paris conventions in 1952?

To end the occupation of Germany and establish agreements regarding its rearmament and joining NATO. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Britain’s participation in the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) in 1960?

Britain joined EFTA as an alternative to the Common Market, signaling its economic alignment outside the EEC. Signup and view all the answers

How did Labour's European Unity Manifesto of 1950 contrast with the party's later stance towards the EEC?

Initially favored European integration, but later leaders, like Hugh Gaitskell, opposed joining the EEC. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influenced Britain's reluctance to join the European Community between 1957 and 1973?

Historical and economic reasons tied to its colonial empire and industrial economy played a major role. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the failure of the European Defense Community in 1952 on Britain's relationship with Europe?

Britain's refusal to accept certain conditions led to a setback in European defense collaboration. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Plan G as proposed on July 17, 1956?

To protect the advantages of the colonial Empire for Britain by focusing on manufactured goods. Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurred on March 25, 1957, that impacted the negotiations for Plan G?

The signing of the Treaty of Rome. Signup and view all the answers

When did De Gaulle reject the proposed plans for European cooperation, and what was his reasoning?

On November 15, 1958, he cited concerns over the UK's close ties to the Commonwealth and its Atlantic orientation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant outcome of the meeting on November 20, 1959, involving seven OEEC countries?

They signed the EFTA in Stockholm to promote a loose alliance for trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was the position of the Labour Party regarding UK's entry into the EEC in 1961?

The Labour Party was largely against joining the European Community. Signup and view all the answers

What significant policy was created in 1962 within the EEC, and why was it a concern for the UK?

The Common Agricultural Policy was established, raising fears about its impact on UK agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What were the characteristics distinguishing the EEC and EFTA?

The EEC aimed for political and economic coordination, while EFTA was a more loose trade alliance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Conservative defeat in 1970 on the Labour Party's stance towards the European Economic Community (EEC)?

The defeat pushed the Labour Party towards a more Eurosceptic stance. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Tony Benn propose in 1970 regarding EEC membership?

Tony Benn suggested holding a referendum on EEC membership. Signup and view all the answers

What did MacMillan indicate regarding Britain's economic strategy in relation to Europe during his announcement in July 1961?

He expressed a desire for the UK to apply for membership in the EEC. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Labour Shadow Cabinet respond to Neil Martin's request for a referendum in 1972?

The Labour Shadow Cabinet opposed the idea of a referendum. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main campaign focus for Labour during the 1974 elections?

Labour campaigned on the idea of renegotiation and a subsequent referendum on EEC membership. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the referendum held on 10 April 1975 regarding the UK's membership in the EEC?

The referendum resulted in support for UK membership in the EEC. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the concept of a referendum considered unusual for the UK at the time?

Referendums were not a British tradition and had previously been refused by political leaders like Attlee. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the notable amendments to the UK's contribution to the EEC after the 1974 Labour victory?

There was a minor budget contribution readjustment and the opening of the common market to New Zealand dairy products. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for the Labour NEC's eventual acceptance of the referendum idea in 1972?

The announcement of other referendums, such as those in France and Ireland, pressured the Labour NEC to accept the idea. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'operated on a shoestring' imply about the campaign's resources?

It implies that the campaign had limited financial backing and support. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the main arguments presented in the campaign against EEC membership.

The main arguments included sovereignty, securing jobs and prices, and diversifying trade. Signup and view all the answers

How did Enoch Powell's speech reflect the idea of British exceptionalism?

Powell's speech emphasized Britain's unique democratic traditions and the importance of self-determination. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of internal divisions within the Labour Party regarding the EEC debate?

The divisions made the Labour Party more Eurosceptic and created tension among its members. Signup and view all the answers

Who were some key figures opposing EEC membership in the Labour Party during this period?

Key figures included Michael Foot, Tony Benn, and Peter Taaffe. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the Labour Party's loss of its Eurosceptic strength after the 1975 referendum?

Internally driven divisions and the rise of pro-European sentiments weakened its Eurosceptic position. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of the Social Democratic Party's formation in the context of EEC membership.

The Social Democratic Party represented a political shift towards pro-European stances within British politics. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did James Callaghan's government respond to economic challenges post-referendum?

Callaghan's government sought an IMF loan that prompted cuts in public spending. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary conflict between Major and Lamont regarding the pound during the economic recession?

Major wanted to keep the pound close to the Deutschmark, while Lamont favored devaluing the pound. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on Black Wednesday, September 16, 1992?

There was a mass selling of the pound, leading to the UK suspending its participation in the ERM. Signup and view all the answers

How did George Soros contribute to the events of Black Wednesday?

He shorted the pound, exacerbating its decline in value. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the Conservative Party to Major's signing of the Maastricht Treaty?

Many within the party, including Thatcher, criticized Major, claiming he was damaging Britain's constitutional freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of Denmark's first referendum on the Maastricht Treaty in June 1992?

Denmark voted against the treaty, with 50.7% opposing ratification. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Conservative Party conference in 1992 in relation to Europe?

The conference was marked by an attack on Major by Norman Tebbit concerning his Europe policy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the government's vote of confidence on July 22, 1993?

The amendment by Labour to postpone the treaty was defeated by a tie vote, with the Speaker voting with the government. Signup and view all the answers

What internal factions were present within the Conservative Cabinet regarding the Maastricht Treaty?

There were Eurosceptic supporters like Michael Portillo and Peter Lilley, who opposed the treaty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main belief of the new generation of European leaders like Mitterand and Delors regarding European integration?

They believed that further European integration was necessary to promote economic growth and prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

How did Margaret Thatcher's views on European integration differ from those of Mitterand and Delors?

Thatcher was skeptical of further European integration, fearing it would lead to a loss of British sovereignty, while Mitterand and Delors supported it for economic benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Single European Act (SEA) and why was it significant?

The SEA was a major revision of the Treaty of Rome aimed at implementing economic liberalism and creating a single European market, and it was significant as it laid the groundwork for the Maastricht Treaty and the EU. Signup and view all the answers

List two concessions made by Thatcher that facilitated the UK's agreement to the Single European Act.

Thatcher agreed to a rebate on the UK's contribution to the EC budget and a right to opt out of certain EC policies like the Social Chapter. Signup and view all the answers

What were some key provisions included in the Single European Act?

Key provisions included the removal of tariffs and quotas on trade, harmonization of technical standards, and liberalization of financial services. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Intergovernmental Conference play in the creation of the Single European Act?

The Intergovernmental Conference facilitated negotiations among member states, reaching an agreement on the SEA in December 1985. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary outcome of the Single European Act regarding the European Parliament?

The SEA extended the legislative powers of the European Parliament, enhancing its role in European governance. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Single European Act contribute to the idea of a federalist Europe?

The SEA paved the way for the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union and promoted deeper integration among member states. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Schuman Plan (1950)

A proposal for economic cooperation, specifically pooling coal and steel production in Europe, to promote peace through a supranational authority.

British Rejection of ECSC

The UK did not join the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1950/1951, citing preference for existing alliances like NATO & Commonwealth, and potential harm to the British industrial strength.

European Defence Community (EDC) Failure

A planned European army initiative stalled, in part because the UK refused to partake fully.

UK's Approach to European Integration (1950-1973)

A cautious and fluctuating path regarding participation, driven largely by economic factors like Empire ties, and fears of political union. This included flip-flopping between cooperation and rejection.