UK

The United Kingdom has always been hesitant about joining anything with Europe in it. “The UK was unwilling to join the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Committee) at its inception since the British coal and steel industries had been nationalized by the Labour government and there was opposition to placing these key industries under a higher supranational authority.” (Harrop 21) The damage was felt toward Europe because the UK produced about a third of the steel and half of the coal Europe used. (Harrop 21) England wanted to wait and see how the groups faired among themselves. “In retrospect the UK made a crucial and major miscalculation in the 1950’s.” (Harrop 22)
In early 1960’s the UK decided that it needed to try and join the EC (European Community) due to political and economic reasons. Unfortunately, the UK’s membership was denied in 1962 by President de Gallue of France, stating that, “the time was not ripe for British membership of the community.” (...