ABSTRACT
To understand the reasons for the establishment of the EU, it is necessary to investigate the history of Europe in the early to mid-twentieth century. To some extent, this is because of the obvious and usual rationale given for the justification of the EU, namely that it prevented the outbreak of war between countries which had twice brought each other to the brink of destruction in the 30 years or so between 1914 and 1945. However, this investigation is also necessary for another reason: to understand the changing role of the European state, and the increase and change in the responsibilities with which it was entrusted. Preserving the peace was undoubtedly part of the rationale for the EU’s creation; but the changing expectations placed on European states, and their need to mutate in order to satisfy those expectations, was also crucial.
