Britain and Europe since 1945

Britain and Europe since 1945:
The series, Seminar Studies in History, aims to provide a bridge between specialist articles and monographs and textbooks on major themes in British, European and world history. They are written by experts in the chosen subjects and aim to combine information, analysis and assessment. Each volume contains text by the author, a selection of key documents, guides for further reading, a glossary of terms and a chronology.

This new Seminar Study provides an introduction to one of the most fundamental and highly-charged political questions to have dominated British politics since 1945: Britain's position in Europe.

The author takes a chronological approach to the subject. The book opens with a scene-setting introduction that looks at Britain and Europe during the inter-war years and the Second World War. This is followed by chapters that analyse government policy towards Europe during successive administrations. For example, they explore Britain's first application under Macmillan; Heath and Britain's entry into the European Communities in 1973; hostile relations with Europe under Thatcher; divisions over policy during the Major governments; and, finally, new relations with Europe under Tony Blair.

Within this framework, the author presents the full international context as well as the impact which British policy towards Europe has had on domestic party politics. Also considered is the effect on the economic as well as the political life of Britain, the impact on the Commonwealth and Atlantic partners, as well as other European Communities members, and examines the development of European Communities policy.