The Making of a United Europe WORLD HISTORY READERS Level 1-⑦ The Making of a United Europe

The Effect of the World Wars Soldiers during a war The Effect of the World Wars Wartime damage World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) What two big wars made life in Europe difficult during the 20th century? Many people were killed, and a lot of damage was done to factories and towns. The wars were difficult to live through. What happened after World War II ended? Germany was divided into two separate countries. Europe was divided, and there was a war of ideas between the East and West. The countries never fought, but they were enemies.

Who suggested the idea of making a union of nations in Europe? A Great Idea A statue of Sir Winston Churchill Who suggested the idea of making a union of nations in Europe? The idea of a union of the nations of Europe was first suggested in 1946 by Sir Winston Churchill. He wanted to prevent a third world war by getting countries to work together.

A New Beginning Steel making Which countries first took steps to being a union of nations? Coal mining Six countries—Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—joined together to form the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951. Rome, where the 1957 treaty was signed Then in 1957, the same six countries signed the Treaty of Rome which created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The countries worked together to create a common market.

What was the result of the union of these countries? The countries in the union started to control farming and food production together. This meant that there was enough food for everyone in these countries. They recovered from the war more quickly together. People waving the flag of Denmark Who joined next? In 1973, three more countries joined—the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark. The colors of the Irish flag The United Kingdom

A New Government When did the European Economic Community (EEC) become the European Union (EU)? The ECC became the European Union (EU) in 1993. The community gave money to create jobs in poorer parts of the EEC, so there was more work for people to do. A variety of jobs for people in the EEC People can vote for the European government. This created the European Parliament based in Brussels, Belgium. It makes laws that affect all members of the community, although countries still make their own domestic laws, too.

The End of the Cold War How did Europe change at the end of the 20th century? The Berlin Wall was broken down. After World War II, Eastern Europe had been mostly communist until the 1980’s. Then in 1989, they opened the Berlin Wall. By 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved. The Cold War was over. How many countries are members of the EU today? This cleared the way for some nations from the East to join the community. By 1995, fifteen countries had joined the union. After that, the number of members grew to be 28 member nations in the EU.

A New Currency What is the euro? Some countries started to use the euro in 1999. The euro is the currency used by many EU nations. Up until 1999, all of the EU countries had their own money systems. But after January 1 of that year, the ‘Eurozone’ was created. Today, 19 of the 28 countries in the European Community use the euro.

Vocabulary divided adj. democratic adj. broken into two or more parts describing countries in which people can vote for their government

Vocabulary earn v. energy n. to get money for doing work the power that comes from electricity, gas, etc.

Vocabulary freedom n. movement n. ability to do things freely and without restrictions movement n. a change of position or place

Vocabulary recover v. treaty n. to return to good standing; to become well again treaty n. a formal agreement between countries