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TOPIC 2 MOVES TOWARDS EUROPEAN UNITY (a) Why was there a movement for European Unity after 1945? (4) (b) Write about the events leading to greater European Unity, 1973-1992 - Junior Cycle History - Question 2 - 2007
Question 2
TOPIC 2 MOVES TOWARDS EUROPEAN UNITY (a) Why was there a movement for European Unity after 1945? (4) (b) Write about the events leading to greater European Unity... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:TOPIC 2 MOVES TOWARDS EUROPEAN UNITY (a) Why was there a movement for European Unity after 1945? (4) (b) Write about the events leading to greater European Unity, 1973-1992 - Junior Cycle History - Question 2 - 2007
Step 1
Why was there a movement for European Unity after 1945?
Answer
After World War II, there was a significant movement towards European unity driven by several factors:
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Desire to Prevent Another War: The devastation caused by the war highlighted the need for collaboration among European nations to prevent future conflicts. This sentiment created a strong desire for unity to ensure peaceful cooperation.
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Economic Stability: Countries in Europe sought to rebuild their economies and believed that cooperation through integration could help them achieve economic stability. The Marshall Plan further encouraged collaboration among Western European nations.
Both of these points illustrate the foundational motivations for a unified European response in the post-war context.
Step 2
Write about the events leading to greater European Unity, 1973-1992.
Answer
The period from 1973 to 1992 marked significant events that contributed to European unity:
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Accession of New Members (1973): The entry of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Denmark into the European Economic Community (EEC) paved the way for broader integration of member states, which emphasized the attractiveness of unity.
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Single European Act (1986): This act aimed to create a single internal market by the end of 1992, removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the community. This marked a vital step towards deeper economic integration.
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Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989): The end of the Cold War not only changed the political landscape but also encouraged Eastern European countries to seek closer ties with Western Europe, fostering aspirations for unity that transcended ideological divides.
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Maastricht Treaty (1992): This treaty established the European Union (EU) and set the foundation for the euro, further solidifying the commitment to both economic and political integration among European nations.
Overall, these events collectively fostered a stronger sense of unity and cooperation among European states.