Synopses & Reviews
This concise volume provides an introduction not only to the main episodes in British policy towards European Unity, but also to the debates on the subject between politicians, political scientists, and historians. It also seeks to provide a general explanation for British doubts about European integration, despite the country's membership in the European Community for over two decades. The author uses evidence from government archives, as well as the memoirs and diaries of those involved directly in these events.
Review
The second edition of Britain and European Unity remains the best survey in the field.
Albion
Synopsis
This book provides a lucid and comprehensive survey of British policy towards European integration from 1929, when a French foreign minister first suggested a European Federation, to 1999, when the single currency, the Euro, was launched. Fully revised and updated, this second edition explains why Britain did not become a founder member of the European Community in the 1950s, what motivated the French to prevent Britain from joining in the 1960s and why, since 1973, most British governments have found it hard to commit to a European future.
About the Author
John W. Young is Professor of Politics at the University of Leicester.
Table of Contents
The Birth of European Unity, 1929-49 * The Schuman Plan, the European Army and the Treaties of Rome, 1950-57 * Macmillan, the Free Trade Area and the First Application, 1957-57 * Wilson's Entry Bid, 1964-70 * Entry, Renegotiation and The Referendum, 1970-79 * Thatcher and the Revival of European Intergration, 1979-90 * Major, Maastricht and Conservative Division, 1990-97 * Blair and the Birth of the Euro, 1997-99 * Conclusions