This Blessed Plot

“Britain is an anomaly in the European story – a nation perpetually balancing between Europe and its own isolated identity.” This question lingers: Why has Britain always wrestled with its place in Europe?

1. Britain’s War Legacy Shaped Its Stance on Europe

Britain emerged from WWII in a unique position, undefeated and instrumental in liberating Europe. This fueled national pride but also set the stage for Britain’s uneasy relationship with European nations.

Post-war optimism about European unity was championed by Winston Churchill, who envisioned a "United States of Europe." However, his vision clashed with the Labour Party’s broader international approach and skepticism of European alliances, resulting in Britain not participating in the foundation of key organizations like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

This exclusion marked the beginning of Britain’s “exceptionalism” mindset: standing apart rather than fully integrating. While European nations raced to rebuild together, Britain sought to preserve its sovereignty and prioritize global connections, particularly with the Commonwealth and the U.S.

Examples

• Churchill’s 1946 Zurich speech advocating European unity.
• Labour’s focus on NATO, sidelining integration ideas.
• Formation of the ECSC without British participation in 1950.

2. The Suez Crisis Highlighted Britain’s Waning Power

The 1956 Suez Crisis forced Britain to confront its diminished global influence and re-evaluate its European policy.

After Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal, Britain’s attempted military intervention failed due to a lack of U.S. support. This humbling moment exposed Britain's reduced ability to act unilaterally, highlighting its shifting role from a global to a regional power.

This event also punctuated the end of Britain’s colonial empire, complicating its Commonwealth ties and prompting politicians to view European unity as a pragmatic solution to their declining global status.

Examples

• U.S. refusal to assist Britain militarily during the Suez Crisis.
• Financial pressures forcing Britain to abandon the Suez operation.
• Rising recognition of stronger European trade benefits post-crisis.

3. The Commonwealth vs. European Economic Integration

As European nations forged economic unity through the European Economic Community (EEC), Britain’s loyalty to the Commonwealth hindered its integration into the European framework.

The Commonwealth had historically provided Britain with favorable trade deals and political ties. Britain sought to join the EEC without abandoning these Commonwealth relationships, an unrealistic desire known as “having their cake and eating it too.”

However, the fading significance of the Commonwealth became evident as nations like Australia pivoted toward Asia and Canada deepened U.S. trade. This economic reality began tipping Britain toward Europe, though it was still a reluctant participant.

Examples

• EEC’s formation via the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
• Drop in British Commonwealth trade compared to growing EEC interdependence.
• Britain’s 1962 EEC application revealing its economic insecurities.

4. De Gaulle’s Veto and Britain’s Struggles

French President Charles de Gaulle repeatedly blocked Britain’s EEC applications in 1963 and 1967, exacerbating tensions and delaying Britain’s engagement with Europe.

De Gaulle feared Britain would act as a “Trojan Horse” for U.S. influence in Europe. His skepticism of Britain’s Commonwealth ties further solidified his opposition. These vetoes forced Britain to reckon with the diminishing influence of its empire and adapt economically.

Domestically, Britain’s indecisiveness regarding Europe fueled debate among political parties. While some supported integration for economic recovery, others feared losing sovereignty, a tension that continues today.

Examples

• De Gaulle’s 1963 statement about British loyalty wobbling between Europe and its Commonwealth.
• Commonwealth trade statistics declining sharply by the mid-1960s.
• Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s cautious approach after the veto.

5. Economic Misery and Europe’s Attraction

Economic struggles during the 1960s – including inflation and stagnation – pressed Britain closer to the EEC as a potential solution to its woes.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson repositioned Britain toward Europe amid domestic crises. With middle-class prosperity faltering and the Commonwealth offering little relief, economic alignments with Europe appeared essential.

This shift collided with stagnant internal politics, causing division within both Labour and Conservative parties. By the early 1970s, joining the EEC became not just a diplomatic aspiration but an economic necessity for survival.

Examples

• Wilson’s 1967 EEC application in response to financial instability.
• Britain’s worsening trade deficit compared to booming EEC economies.
• European enthusiasm to reconsider Britain post-de Gaulle’s leadership.

6. Entry Into the EEC and Early Chaos

When Britain finally joined the EEC in 1973, optimism faded quickly, as economic instability and political discord clouded its membership.

The global recession of 1973 severely impacted Britain, causing second thoughts about the EEC’s effectiveness. A 1975 referendum reaffirmed commitment to Europe, but tensions between British sovereignty and European policies persisted.

Labour’s anti-EEC factions amplified these conflicts, reflecting Britain’s broader hesitations. Europe became both a source of economic hope and national identity angst – a duality that lasted for decades.

Examples

• 1974 Labour campaign criticized pro-market policies.
• Britain’s inflation reaching 25% during its EEC entry period.
• The 1975 referendum, where 67% voted to stay in the EEC.

7. Margaret Thatcher: A Paradoxical Europe Advocate

Margaret Thatcher’s approach to Europe was contradictory, as she sought economic benefits from European integration while resisting deeper political ties.

Thatcher championed the Single European Act, enabling a freer trade market throughout Europe. However, the act had unintended effects, including proposals for monetary union and centralized governance, which Thatcher opposed vehemently.

Her aggressive negotiations also strained Britain’s relationships within Europe, reinforcing perceptions of Britain as a difficult member rather than a cooperative participant.

Examples

• Thatcher’s success in securing a UK contribution rebate.
• Single European Act sparking debates over sovereignty.
• Thatcher’s resignation amid disagreement over EU centralization.

8. The Treaty of Maastricht Intensified National Divisions

The Maastricht Treaty of 1991 deepened integration, creating the unified European Union and sparking fierce political and public debates in Britain.

The treaty included measures for a monetary union and broader political cooperation, raising fears about Britain’s sovereignty. While some Conservatives supported the EU reforms, a powerful eurosceptic faction within the party caused divisions that eroded leadership and policy-making.

These divisions led to the electoral defeat of the Conservatives and brought the Labour Party to power in 1997, signaling a shift toward more open European relations – albeit with continued complexities.

Examples

• Eurosceptics’ backlash against Maastricht’s centralized ambitions.
• Britain securing opt-out clauses on monetary union.
• Labour’s 1997 victory capitalizing on Conservative discord.

9. Tony Blair’s Pro-European Push and Hesitations

Tony Blair entered office in 1997 as a staunch pro-European leader but hesitated to push Britain fully into deeper unity, such as adopting the Euro.

While Blair supported closer ties with Europe, he avoided actions that would trigger domestic backlash, like full monetary integration. Thus, Britain’s position remained ambiguous, maintaining physical ties without ideological alignment.

Blair’s hesitancy reflected a long-standing British ambivalence about sacrificing sovereignty for collective progress, an unresolved theme even in the 21st century.

Examples

• Blair’s decision not to adopt the Euro despite campaign promises.
• Media skepticism about European deals under Blair.
• Britain’s loyalty oscillating between Europe and U.S. alliances.

Takeaways

1. Understand history’s role in shaping current decisions. Britain’s ongoing EU debate stems from its unresolved identity struggles post-WWII. Reflect on how past decisions shape future choices.
2. Assess the impact of alliances. Like Britain juggling U.S., Commonwealth, and European commitments, we need to evaluate the costs and benefits of maintaining multiple existing partnerships.
3. Avoid indecision in critical moments. Britain’s back-and-forth hesitation around joining the EEC delayed economic recovery and created decades of discord. Decisive action often outweighs prolonged debate.