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World War II
World War II left Europe destitute, and in need of assistance in order to regain economic stability. After being divided for many years, some European nations sought to create economic and political ties with each other in order to boost the European economy as well as to prevent the start of another war. -
Benelux Treaty
Benelux was a political and economic union between Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This agreement included the created of several interstate institutions including the Committee of Ministers, Council for the Union, and Benelux Court of Justice. The Benelux agreement was an example for the rest of Europe on how to internationally cooperating bodies like the European Union. -
Potsdam Conference
The Potsdam conference was a meeting between the leaders of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. One major accomplishment that was achieved at this conference was the division of Germany and its capital Berlin into four sections, being owned by the US, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Dividing Germany allowed the western section to flourish and become the most dominant economy in Europe. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan was a foreign aid program who’s purpose was to aid in the recovery of Europe after World War II. The goals of the plan were to rebuild war-torn regions, increase US trade in Europe, modernize Europe’s industry, and prevent spread of communism. The Marshall plan played an important role in bringing Europe back into the global sphere by rebuilding their economy. -
Schuman Declaration
Robert Schuman created the Schuman Declaration which put the production of steel and coal in Germany and France under one authority. France and Germany had been adversaries, but by tying their two economies together, it prevented war from occurring between France and Germany as well as fostering a more economically stable economy between the two nations. -
European Coal and Steel Community
The ECSE was an organization designed to regulate the steel and coal industries throughout Europe after World War II. It was established by the Treaty of Paris which was signed by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. The treaty also created a ‘Common Market’ for coal and still in which members could set prices and move products throughout member states without customs duties or taxes. The ESCE is essentially an early version of the European Union. -
Treaty of Rome
The Treaty of Rome or, officially the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community was signed by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. The treaty also proposed a reduction of customs duties and the establishment of a customs union. It is one of the important treaties in the establishment of the European Union in 1993. -
Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement was a treaty that abolished most European national borders in order to build a Europe without borders knows as a “Schengen Area”. The treaty was initially only signed by 5 countries, but a majority of Europe has since joined the treaty. This treaty set a precedent for Europe to create the same policy for the establishment of the European Union -
Maastricht Treaty
The Maastricht Treaty was the creation of the European Union. It was originally created with 12 member states and it focused on shared citizen ship, free trade, shared currency, and common foreign and security policies.