THE HISTORY OF EUROPE Victoria Berry Mihaela Encheva Chloe Osborne Nicky van den Deijssel Fleur van Veen Paulien Staal

The beginning of the EU The European Union was formed by Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in roughly 1950, it was created primarily due to coal trading and in an attempt to stop the wars that kept on happening between the countries that made up central Europe.

A peaceful Europe – the beginnings of cooperation End the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours A handful of statesmen set about persuading their people to enter a new era. French foreign minister proposed establishing ECSC. The 1950s were dominated by a cold war. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome creates the ‘Common Market’.

The ‘Swinging Sixties’ – a period of economic growth The 1960s -'youth culture’ helping to stimulate a cultural revolution and widening the generation gap. Good period for the economy EU countries stop charging custom duties when they trade with each other. Agree joint control over food production May 1968-famous for student riots in Paris

A growing Community – the first Enlargement Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Union on 1 January 1973 Arab-Israeli war of October 1973 result in an energy crisis and economic problems in Europe. The EU regional policy - create jobs and infrastructure in poorer areas all citizens can elect their members directly.

The changing face of Europe - the fall of the Berlin Wall In Greece becomes the 10th member Spain and Portugal join Single European Act is signed 9 November the Berlin Wall is pulled down

A Europe without frontiers collapse of communism across central and eastern Europe, Europeans become closer neighbours the 'four freedoms' of: movement of goods, services, people and money. two treaties - the ‘Maastricht’ Treaty on European Union and the Treaty of Amsterdam in Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. young people study in other countries with EU support.

today A decade of further expansion The euro is the new currency for many Europeans 'War on Terror'. EU countries begin to work closely together to fight crime. 10 new countries join the EU in 2004.

Europe’s mission in the 21st century is to: provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent; ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalisation and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy.