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Edyta Margiewicz “Founding Fathers of Europe”
1. Europe as a community- historical approach.
Modern Europeans identify the term “European Integration” with the events from recent
decades. It is wrong, or rather incomplete view. The beginning to this process gave antiquity.
The notion of Europe as a separate political and cultural figure in antiquity has produced over
the period between the Greco-Persian wars and the epoch of Alexander the Great. In
Greece roots have also the term of “international integration”. The issue of integration was
based on the consideration about ways of preventing wars and the maintenance of security,
both external and internal. The ancient Greeks came to two main conclusions. First,
that creating an inclusive group and removing the boundaries between its component
parts, brought into a situation where a conflict of borders is irrelevant. Secondly, that the
integration of the gropu make it much more stronger. In ancient Greece, has a beginning also
the phenomenon of the federation. Greeks, scattered in many policyholders united common
culture, science and art. Bond of culture and a sense of unity since the days of ancient
Greece has become a culture.
The second "component" of the European identity and culture was the political structure of
the ancient Roman Empire (standards of law, universal language, Latin-as unifying elements
of the state area consisting of many culturally distinct parts). Roman Empire in the years of its
existence has focused mostly on the areas area which belong to the European
Union today. Culture of ancient Rome, we find in works of art and architecture, around
the continent.
In the Middle Ages, the role of the former Roman Empire replaced the Christian universalism,
and civilisation unity, inter alia, define the concepts of Christian empire, Publica Christiana.
These three binders, such as culture of ancient Greece, Rome and the spread of Christianity in
Europe, are undeniably the most important ground on which rests the edifice of a
common, united Europe. It should be noted that, despite the subsequent conflicts in the
bosom of the Church and the Reformation, Christianity is a key factor in shaping European
identity axiological (Christian values).
In understanding the evolution of Europe as a homogenous event a big impact had a eighth
century. This age is primarily the period of the great triumphs of Charlemagne. The major
role in the idea of building Europe "Christian" rulers of the Franks had an alliance with the
pope. Charlemagne's empire became the culmination of the covenant between the papacy in
Rome in the growing power of the kingdom of the Franks. Had a great influence on
Europe. Charlemagne created the vast state which stretched from the Atlantic to the
Danube and from the Netherlands in Provence.
Significant impact on the development of the idea of European integration has had the French
Revolution and subsequent Napoleonic campaigns. While this first initiated a whole
new dimension to relations between the peoples of Europe (according to the principles of
freedom, equality and brotherhood). The Napoleonic wars were conducted according to the
principle of “hegemony”, known for millennia, and according to it, Napoleon Bonaparte
sought to create a unified Europe, the national-liberal. Despite the ultimate defeat, the armies
of Napoleon brought to Europe the French Revolution made progressive, allowing a
gradual transition to liberalism and capitalism, ultimately undermining feudal-absolutist order.
Of course, there was an attempt to restitution of the old model ("Holy Alliance" tied at the
Congress of Vienna in 1815 by Russia, Prussia and France, whose goal was the formation of
European governance at the expense of the independence of many nations). This
alliance was primarily to neutralize the influence of liberalism and revolutionary aspirations
and independence in Europe, but these forces are becoming increasingly marked by the
political and cultural scene.
Developments in Europe - another French revolution of 1930 Spring of Nations (1848)
changed the political face of the continent. Revived the concepts of the United States of
Europe. Engaged in its new political and social forces, such as pacifists, socialists.
At that time, began to shape the ideologies that have ultimately lead to antagonize the
nations in Europe-were nationalism and communism. They left their mark on the most
horrible history of our continent, leading to the tragedy of the Second World Wars.
Although after World War I tried to re-create the European and world order (m. Al. Through
the establishment of the League of Nations), although there are enlightened and farreaching ideas of unification )is a destructive forces on the one hand, German fascism and
Nazism, Soviet communism on the other, led to the greatest catastrophe in world historyworld War II.
After the completion of Europe looked completely different. The order led to the
Yaltadivision of Europe into two opposing spheres of influence-capitalist, democratic
Western Europe, and dependent on the communist Eastern Bloc Soviet empire. Ruined
Western Europe after the war began the work of integration.
2. The first unifications projects.
After the Second World War the idea of European unity was developing in the new
conditions. Unification efforts were revived. Political ground those aspirations were tragic
experiences of both I and World War II, which showed clearly the impossibility of peace
threats by individual countries and also brought home the need to build a European
system, which would aim to protect Europe against future armed conflicts.
Europe after World War II had to get organized again. Both the external situation as well as
intra-European was complicated. First, Europe was broken, both politically and
economically. War destruction wreaked havoc not only material but also in the sphere of
ideology.
Political motivation for the post-war integration efforts was primarily a new balance of
power that arose after the end of hostilities. Europe has lost its current, imperial position
on the two leaders: the USSR and the United States. At the same time was exposed to the
effects of their conflict, as representing the hostile powers, opposing ideological systems. In
such a political system, it became clear that Europe has a chance to become the subject
of global politics only if they unite their forces. It was not easy task. Traditional
European diversity associated with the ideals of Enlightenment, national values, which have
been since the dawn of Europe's hotbed of conflicts now have a mute for the good of the
continent as a whole.
3. The Reasons Behind European Commitment- a joint European desire for
reconciliation.
The Fathers of Europe all shared the same desire for the pacification of Europe, not via a
balance of power, as was the case after the Vienna Congress in 1815, but via the
reconciliation of European nations.
Many of them grew up near the borders - that sometimes moved Robert Schuman for
example, who was born in Germany in Luxembourg, but became French in the Moselle
connection to France, and Alcide de Gasperi, who started his political career in Australian
parliament in Innsbruck, but ended up as Prime Minister of Italy.
Joseph Bech, Paul-Henri Spaak and Johan Willem governed Beyene Benelux,
customs union, which was created to move the boundaries limiting its members. In the end,
Konrad Adenauer was in Cologne, a city in western Germany, near the Saarland and the Ruhr
region, which were a source of conflict between the countries of Europe following the two
world wars.
Moreover they fought against Nazi totalitarianism or Fascist dictatorship. Alcide de Gasperi
who was imprisoned for his opposition to Mussolini in 1927, a fate also suffered
by Konrad Adenauer in the face of Nazism in 1934 and 1944 and Robert Schuman in 1940.
Joseph Bech was forced into exile with his government likewise Beyen in 1940 as a
consequence of his antagonistic relations with the Nazis when he was a director of Unilever.
From this period the Fathers of Europe drew one conclusion: the peace will be found via
the reconciliation of nations. In 1946, stateless Konrad Adenauer said : “Europe will only be
possible if a community of European people is restored in which every population will
provide its own irreplaceable, unique contribution to the economy and to European culture,
thought, poetry and Western creativity.” (Konrad Adenauer, Cologne speech 24th March
1946 to the Christian Democratic Union in the British Occupied Zone). The idea that the
unity of Europeans a key factor in keeping lasting peace was the moist important document
of European integration – the Declaration of 9th May 1950: “The contribution which an
organized and living Europe can bring to civilization is indispensable to the maintenance of
peaceful relations.” (Robert Schuman, Declaration of 9th May 1950). As Alcide De Gasperi
spoke to Italian Communist Senators who were against the project, he repeated: “The reason
(for this project) lies in the need to quell the threat of a return to militarism by Germany and
to correct the error made by Poincaré when we thought that occupying the Ruhr would be the
solution.” (Alcide De Gasperi, speech to the Italian Senate, 15th March 1952). Finally in
1952 some weeks after the establishment of the ECSC Jean Monnet explained to the
American press: “As long as Europe remains divided it will be weak and a constant source
of conflict. […] With the Schuman Plan and a European army 2, we have laid the foundations
on which we shall be able to build the United States of Europe which will be free, vigorous,
peaceful and prosperous.” (Jean Monnet, speech to the National Press Club, 30th April 1952,
Washington).
4. Fathers of Europe.
It is difficult to distinguish some names from the initial stages of European integration.
However, while taking into consideration the biggest impact on the shaping of European
Union we can mentions some names. Robert Schuman due to his Declaration on 9th May
1950, Jean Monnet, who was the latter’s source of inspiration and first president of the High
Authority of the ECSC, Kondrad Adenauer, the German Chancellor who brought the young
FRG into the project and also Alcide de Gasperi, President of the Italian Council, Paul-Henri
Spaak, the Belgian Prime Minister, Johan Willem Beyen, the Prime Minister of the
Netherlands and Joseph Bech, the head of the Luxembourg government. Seven founding
fathers for the emerging ECSC – which was heading towards a great future – the European
Union.
The Fathers of Europe all shared the same desire for the pacification of Europe, not via a
balance of power, as was the case after the Vienna Congress in 1815, but via the
reconciliation of European nations.
4.1 Konrad Adenauer- the father of “new” Germany.
Konrad Adenauer (5 January 1876 – 19 April 1967) was a German statesman who led his
country from the ruins of World War II to a powerful and prosperous nation that had forged
close relations with old enemies France, the United States and Israel. In his years in power
Germany achieved prosperity, democracy, stability and respect. He was the first chancellor
(head of government) of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was the founder and leader of
the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a coalition of Catholics and Protestants. Under his
leadership and beyond, his party was the most dominant in Germany.
The first Chancellor of Federal Republic of Germany, who headed the newly established
state in the years 1949 to 1963, he changed more than anyone other face of the post-war
Germany and Europe.
Like many politicians of his generation, Adenauer after the experiences of World War I came
to the conclusion that the achievement of lasting peace is possible only in a
united Europe. This opinion is confirmed by the events during the Third Reich -Adenauer
was then removed from the office of Mayor of Cologne by the Nazis.
Six years (1949-1955) was enough for him to achieve far-reaching Adenauer's foreign policy
objectives by which the Germans were able to secure a stable position in the alliance of
Western countries: the country's membership in the Council of Europe (1951), the
establishment of the European Coal and Steel (1952), and joining Germany to NATO(1955).
Adenauer and the process of European integration
Konrad Adenauer in his policy course pursued Atlantic, aimed at close cooperation with the
United States and Western Europe. He was the creator of the reconstruction of the German
state in providing Federal Council of Europe in 1951 and join in the structure of NATO in
1955. Under the Federal Chancellor was also a founding organization of the country, as the
basis of today's European Union namely: the European Coal and Steel
Community (ECSC), established under the Treaty of Paris in 1951, the European Economic
Community (EEC) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM )arising under
the Treaties of Rome of 1957.
The basis of Adenauer's foreign policy was the reconciliation with France. Along with French
President Charles de Gaulle led to a break through the history of relations between France and
Germany: in 1963 these countries, once arch enemies, signed a treaty of friendship, which
became one of the milestones on the road to European integration.
4.2 Robert Schuman- “boarder man”
French Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the author of the Franco-German
reconciliation was with Jean Monnet created the first fully realized project of a united
Europe. Closer look at the life of co-founder of the European Coal and Steel Community and
one of the most recognizable "fathers of Europe".
Biographical and political activity
Robert Schuman was born on June 29, 1886 in Luxembourg, died on 4 September
1963.Although possessed German citizenship only to the year 1918 (ie the restoration of
France Lorraine) and felt mainly French, have always considered Germany as a
country belonging to the Christian culture and European. This belief made him so
desperately sought an agreement with them.
Schuman studied law at the universities of Bonn, Munich, Berlin and Strasbourg and became
a lawyer. His political career began in 1918, when he was first elected as MP. There
after, each time until the 1962 re-election received while performing many other functions. In
1946 and 1947 he was finance minister, the late Prime Minister of France1947-1948, the
years 1948-1953 is a period of management by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Schuman. Five
years later, Schuman was the first president of the European Parliament until 1960.
Schuman plan
He became famous as the champion of the Franco-German reconciliation and the precursor of
the idea of European integration. Along with Jean Monne project was co-founder of France
and Germany cooperation in the field of coal mining and steel. Schuman Plan laid the
foundation for the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community. He believed that
in order to avoid the Franco-German conflicts people should focus primarily on
solving specific problems, rather than seeking comprehensive solutions. Hence the decision to
cooperate in the field of strategic materials, deciding on the possibilities of reinforcing the two
countries. French politician was also a proponent of building European defense force with the
participation of West German army.
During the Cold War, when the iron curtain tore Europe, Robert Schuman wrote: "For many
years, we suffer because of ideological division, the line cuts through Europe into two parts. It
was imposed by force. May be able to swoop in an atmosphere of freedom. "Several
years later, as a result of actions taken by the Robert Schuman, but also other" fathers of
Europe "was the unification of the European Union.
4.3 Jean Monnet- “citizen of Europe”
This French politician etched in the history of European integration primarily as a lead author
of the so-called. Schuman Plan and consequently one of the founders of the European
Coal and Steel Community. Monnet himself about the process of European integration, he
said, "We are not creating a coalition of states. We are uniting people "
Biographical and political activity
Jean Monnet was born on 9 November 1888 in Cognac. During the First World War he served
as the Head of Mission of the Ministry of Trade and Maritime Transport in London. In the
years 1919-1923 he was Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations. During the
Second World War he have been a manager of the Franco-British Coordinating
Committee for weapons of war. Simultaneously, Monnet was the representative of France
in the United States. After 1945, among others served as Head office of planning
and Modernisation Plan Agent of France.
Model of European integration by Monnet
French statesman, was the representative of the sectoral approach to the integration of
European states. He claimed in fact that we must start from a certain part of economic life,
and then expand to new sectors based on the experience gained. Among other things, the
assumption that political union is impossible without economic integration, Monnet was a
strong supporter of the introduction of U.S. economic aid plan for postwar Europe (the
Marshall Plan).
Monnet was the initiative of the Schuman Plan (announced in May 1950), assuming
thesurrender of the international control of French and German coal and steel production. As a
result, has established the first of three European Communities - European Coal and Steel
Community (ECSC). In the years 1952-1955 he was chairman of the Jean Monnet's most
important organ - the High Authority.
United States of Europe
Monnet's dream was the establishment of the United States of Europe and the idea was ready
to devote all his energy. Therefore, in 1955, led by himself created the Action Committee for
the United States of Europe running until 1975. The main task of this organization was to
promote economic cooperation western European countries.
Monnet activities for European integration was the impetus for creating the next, after
theCS, community - the European Economic Community and Euratom. As an important
role toplay in the process of Monnet union institutions provide his words: "People pass
away.Others will take our place. Personal experience can not convey to posterity - along with
us, they die. But we can leave them institutions. The life of institutions is longer
than men.Furthermore - when they are well designed - they are able to gather the wisdom
and bestowher future generations. "Jean Monnet died on 16 March 1979.
4.4 Alcide de gasper- “integration in the Christian spirit”.
The period of his rule in Italy is defined as "the era of de Gasperi". Indeed, he managed to
rebuild Italy's position in the international arena, being actively involved in the process of
European economic integration at the same time making Italy one of the pillars of European
integration.
Biographical and political activity
Alcide de Gasperi was born April 3, 1881 in Tronto. He studied philosophy and literature at
the University of Vienna. During World War I he was a member of the Austrian Parliament,
after the cessation of hostilities to the Italian Parliament. He was co-organizer and Secretary
General of the Italian Christian Democratic People's Party. In 1927 he was arrested and
sentenced to four years in prison. After coming to power of Benito Mussolini,
clearly opposing fascism Gasperi, disappeared from the political scene. During World War
II worked in the resistance, being the leader of the Party of Christian Democrats. After the
liberation of Italy joined the first government in the years 1945-1953 he served as prime
minister and minister of foreign affairs of several governments. In 1946, shortly became the
head of state.
Action for European integration
Honorable President of the European Movement, was considered with other fathers of
European integration, as a leading activist for the reunification of Europe. He believed that
the European economic cooperation should also promote closer defense cooperation
.Therefore, de Gasperi was a supporter of a European Defence Community and the joint
armed forces, which would resolve any possible conflicts in Europe. De Gasperi was alsocofounded the Council of Europe, founded in 1949.
Actions taken by de Gasperi initiated the process of integrating Italy the Community
structures. In 1950, in contrary to the Communists, the Italian prime minister led to
the signing of the Treaty of Paris and Italy to create the European Coal and Steel
Community. The year before Italy became a member of NATO.
De Gasperi and integration in Christian spirit.
Clear impact on the "Europeanness" has Catholic religion. De Gasperi repeatedly stressed
the role of Christianity in shaping European identity. Driving in all its activities, Christian
values meant that in 1993 began the process of beatification of Italian politics.
Alcide de Gasperi died 19 August 1954 year. The then Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal
Angelo Roncalii (later Pope John XXIII) said about de Gasperi that this in his life was mainly
inspired by "the biblical vision of life, serve to God, country and church."
4.5 Pauli Henri Speak- “European statesman”.
The Belgian politician was one of the architects of European integration. He was awarded for
his work to "produce politically and economically united Europe" Charlemagne Prize, one of
the most prestigious awards in Europe. It belongs to the contributors to the postwar European
order.
Biographical and political activity
Paul Henri Spaak was born on January 25, 1899 in Schaarbeek. Trained as a lawyer. In the
years 1932-1956 and 1961-1966 he was a socialist deputy in the parliament, Belgium. On
several occasions he served as foreign minister in the years 1947-1949 was the first
socialist prime minister of Belgium, in the 60 'Deputy Prime Minister. In addition to the
activities on the Belgian political scene Spaak was engaged in activities designed to
approximate the international, including European integration. He worked on the Charter
of the United Nations, chaired the first UN General Assembly in 1946 and the Consultative
Assembly of the Council of Europe in 1949. In later years he was also president of
the European Economic Community and since1952 he was a chairman of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. In 1957 he was elected Secretary
General of NATO.
The Treaty of Brussels
Paul Henri Spaak was a spokesman during the creation of the Benelux, which was a
deepened economic cooperation, among others through the creation of a customs union in
1948. In the same year the Brussels Treaty was signed and established a defensive alliance
of the Benelux countries, France and Great Britain. Particularly important for Spaak was the
inclusion of Great Britain to the European integration process.
Spaak report
Particularly important in his political career was the year 1956, when during a meeting of
Foreign Ministers of the ECSC, he recommended the creation of the European Economic
Community and Euratom (the so-called Spaak Report). The report was a result of work of the
Committee established in 1955 in Messina, headed by Belgian Foreign Minister. It
assumed extension of the existing economic cooperation, among others atomic energy
matters. This document became the basis of the Treaties of Rome in 1957 setting up the EEC
and EURATOM.
About the signing of the Treaty of Rome Paul Henri Spaak wrote: "The Treaty of Rome is the
triumph of the spirit of cooperation and the defeat of selfish nationalism. Those who
brought this project (...), can be confident that progress towards halting the declining trend
of civilization, the restoration of European civilization, its location and strength of radiation.
"Paul Henri Spaak died on 31 July 1972 in Brussels.
Conclusion
There were many factors which brought the Fathers of Europe together in the proposal put
forward by Robert Schuman on 9th May 1950. They all shared the same experience of war,
the negative, perverse effects of protectionism and the political weakening of Germany
exacerbated by the Versailles Treaty of 1919. They also shared the same vision of the path to
follow for Europe to become prosperous again; they shared the same political approach of
universal ideals of Christian Democracy. These common experiences set the seed in the minds
of these Statesmen of a common vision of Europe united by the economy as a vector of peace,
of a Europe organised according to cooperation between States and populations which would
one day be completed by political unity.