British Evolution Of The European Integration Policy (1951-1960)

This article mainly discusses the adjustment of Britain's policy to European integration in 1950s, from the "wait and see" to positive opposition and confrontation, and finally forced to apply to join the European Community.This article analyses the reasons of the development of British European policy from both internal and external. External factors include the development of the cold war situation, the progress of European integration, the attitude of the United States; internal factors include the government decision-making, political parties, interest groups' attitude, diplomatic tradition and public attitudes. Finally the conclusion is that the blame of missed the boat of Messina can't completely on British government. But in the 1950s the British do not have the conditions to join the European integration process.