ABSTRACT
The German Social Democrats (SPD) have held a broad spectrum of attitudes and policies in regard to Europe. Under the direction of distinctive leaders, the party has maintained approving as well as disapproving viewpoints of European integration for numerous reasons. The breadth of these convictions makes for an interesting examination of the internal dynamics of the German Social Democrats and their philosophy towards Europe. This chapter characterizes the relationship of the Social Democratic Party of the Federal Republic, and later a reunited Germany, to the European Union. Each section covers a specific period in the development in the Social Democratic Party’s policy and attitude regarding European integration. The first part of this chapter examines the creation of the SPD and the pro-German policies exemplified by its first post-war leader, Kurt Schumacher. The shift in policy from a negative to a positive view of an integrated Europe is then explored. The SPD’s inter-German relationship and Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik illustrate the distinctive support for integration and recognition of a divided Germany. Finally, examination of the party’s handling of reunification will explain SPD arguments for and against Maastricht and the specifics leading up to the European Union.1
