Between The Ideal And The Reality

This thesis inquires into Britain's policy upon the European Integration Movement in 1945-1961. Britain's transformation from standing aside Europe to joining the EEC was a history of the interweaving of idealism and realism . That is , Britain began stepping out of the World role belief and facing up to the role for a middle power .There are four parts in this thesis. Part one deals with Britain's neglect of the European Integration in 1945-1956. Although Britain had declined in the postwar world , she envisaged her place in the word in terms of the support of the Commonwealth and "the Special Relationship" with America , and showed contempt for the European Integration . Many pro-Europeans were acutely aware of the necessarily of Britain to unite with Europe, but the "There Circle" policy made Britain lost the opportunity to join Europe .Part two discusses the Britain' s partial policy adjustment after the Suez Affair of 1956. The Suez Affair was a turning point of Britain's postwar position and national psychology. It raised Britain' s doubts about her Great Power status. Realism thinking became more and more though she had't freed herself form ideological thinking. Once the Europe Economic Community creatd by the Rome Treaty in 1957 began to show signs of life , Britain raised the suggestion to build a European Free Trade Area . But the Six immediately denied it . Then Britain put on a rival show by rigging up the European Free Trade Association. However, the attempts of European orientation was a interim from standing aside Europe to returning to Europe.Part three researches the reason why Britain applied for the EEC. Thebelief that Commonwealth and "the Special Relationship" remained a substantial element of strength broke. The Common Market become a powerful and efficient economic complex which threathened the isolated Britain more and more . Over and above the balance sheet of prospective gain and loss, however ,was the growing sense among the British that Britain indeed falling behind the times and required new stimuli . So the Micmillan government applied for joining the EEC. Britain began returning to Europe. Realism succeeded idealism partially.Part four analyzes the meaning of Britain' s applying . It meant closing one volume of British foreign policy and opening another . this fundmental transformation from idealism to realism was a "revolutionary " change . But the Great Power dream continued in the British psychology hitherto. So this adjustment was also a "Continuous " change . "Revolutionary" change and "Continuous" change are two sides of a coin . The EEC framework could provide Britain a worthwhile , constructive and also attainable new international role within the regional setting . "Britain in Europe" is becoming a consensus of the British. However, we can confidently expect that realism will remain the major characteristic of British foreign politics.