First Advisor

John B. Hall

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics and University Honors

Department

Economics

Language

English

Subjects

Europe -- Economic integration, European Economic Community, European Coal and Steel Community

DOI

10.15760/honors.257

Abstract

This inquiry seeks to establish the importance of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and its key role as the foundation for deeper European integration projects, which ultimately have manifested in the European Union seen today. By the end of the Second World War, the European continent was left in ruins, with nations desperately seeking to rebuild their economies and infrastructures, while also attempting to create a stability that would bring lasting peace to a region historically torn apart by war. European leaders, including the French diplomat Jean Monnet, were faced with the challenge of increasing output and employment opportunities, while preventing neighboring Germany from returning to its maximum strength and inciting further conflict. The ECSC proved the answer to these challenges by demonstrating the economic and political benefits associated with cooperation. Additionally, the Community provided the framework and background for subsequent supranational organizations, which succeeded in drawing more European countries towards the concept of willing integration. Finally, this inquiry examines the theories associated with economic integration and its various stages, both in markets and in policies, while also considering the neofunctionalist perspective that seeks to explain the expansion and deepening of integrated regions through spill-over effects.

Rights

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Comments

An undergraduate honors thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in University Honors and Economics/French.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/17370

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