Schuman Declaration

Definition

The Schuman Declaration, presented on May 9, 1950, was a proposal by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman to establish a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) that aimed to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflicts in Europe. This initiative laid the groundwork for European integration, emphasizing the need for shared resources to promote peace and stability after the devastation of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schuman Declaration is often considered the birth certificate of European integration, as it proposed a new approach to international relations based on cooperation rather than conflict.
2. The declaration emphasized the importance of pooling resources, specifically coal and steel production, to create interdependence among European nations.
3. May 9, the date of the Schuman Declaration, is celebrated annually as Europe Day to honor the progress made toward unity and cooperation in Europe.
4. The initiative led directly to the formation of the ECSC, which was instrumental in bringing France and Germany closer together after World War II.
5. The Schuman Declaration set a precedent for further treaties that would eventually lead to the establishment of the European Union, promoting economic growth and political stability across Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the Schuman Declaration reflect the desire for peace and stability in post-World War II Europe?
  • The Schuman Declaration was a direct response to the devastation of World War II, aiming to prevent future conflicts by promoting economic cooperation among European nations. By proposing the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, it sought to create interdependence between France and Germany, countries that had been historic rivals. This shift from competition to collaboration was seen as essential for maintaining peace and stability in a war-torn continent.
• Discuss the implications of the Schuman Declaration for economic development in Europe during the 1950s.
  • The Schuman Declaration had significant implications for economic development in Europe during the 1950s as it initiated a process of integration that encouraged member states to collaborate on coal and steel production. By pooling these critical resources through the European Coal and Steel Community, countries could ensure stability in their economies while reducing competition over raw materials. This cooperation not only fostered growth but also laid a foundation for future economic policies aimed at deeper integration across various sectors.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Schuman Declaration on European integration and its relevance today.
  • The long-term effects of the Schuman Declaration are profound, as it set into motion a series of steps leading to European integration that continues to shape modern Europe. It established key principles of collaboration that have influenced subsequent treaties and organizations, ultimately resulting in the formation of the European Union. Today, these principles remain relevant as Europe faces new challenges such as economic disparities, migration issues, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the ongoing need for unity and cooperation among member states.

Related terms

European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC):

An organization established in 1951 to regulate the coal and steel industries of its member states, marking the first step towards European economic integration.

Treaty of Paris (1951): The treaty that established the ECSC, signed by six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

European Union (EU):

A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe, which evolved from earlier agreements like the ECSC.