The History of European Integration

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.

Introduction Chapter 1. Made in USA? The Origins of the European Integration from the 1940s Chapter 2. Beginning of the European Integration and Enlargement Chapter 3. Change of Guard in the 1970s: European Corporations Step into America’s Role Chapter 4. Made by Corporate Europe? The ‘Second Coming’ of the European Integration, 1980s–2000s Chapter 5. Creating an Europeanized economy with corporate assistance: the Single Market and Common Currency Chapter 6. Towards a Europeanized economic Structure of Europe Epilogue: Quo Vadis European Union?