ABSTRACT

The foundation of the European Union was one of the most important historical events in the second half of the 20th century. In order to fully appreciate the modern state of the EU, it is crucial to understand the history of European integration. This accessible overview differs from other studies in its focus on the major roles played by both the United States and European multinational corporations in the development of the European Union. Chronologically written and drawing on new findings from two major archives (the archives of the US State Department and Archive of European Integration), this book sheds crucial new light on the integration process.

The History of European Integration offers a major contribution to our understanding of Europe’s postwar history, and will be essential reading for any student of postwar European History, Contemporary History, European Politics and European Studies.

chapter |6 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|56 pages

Made in the US?

The origins of European integration from the 1940s

chapter 3|23 pages

Change of Guard in the 1970s

European corporations step into America's role

chapter 4|40 pages

Made by Corporate Europe?

The “second coming” of the European integration, 1980s–2000s

chapter 5|42 pages

Creating a Europeanized Economy with Corporate Assistance

The Single Market and common currency

chapter |13 pages

Epilogue

Quo vadis European Union?