About the book
In the late 1950s, against the unfolding backdrop of the Cold War, American and European leaders began working to reshape Western Europe. They sought to adapt the region to a changing world in which European empires were rapidly disintegrating, Soviet influence was spreading, and the United States could no longer shoulder the entire political and economic burden of the West yet hesitated to share it with Europe. Focusing on the four largest Atlantic powers — Britain, France, Germany, and the United States — Jeffrey Giauque explores these early stages of European integration.
Giauque uses evidence from newly opened international archives to show how a mix of cooperation and collaboration shaped efforts to unify postwar Europe. He examines the “grand designs” each country developed to advance its own interests, specific plans for collaboration or accord, and the reactions of the other Atlantic powers to these proposals. Competing national interests not only derailed many otherwise sound plans for European unity, Giauque says, but also influenced such nascent European institutions as the Common Market, the antecedent of today’s European Union. Indeed, beyond examining the origins of the European community, this comparative study provides insight into national attitudes and aspirations that continue to shape European and American policies today.
Editions of Grand Designs and Visions of Unity
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807826799
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807853443
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807860175
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890873606
Read an Excerpt
In the late 1950s, against the unfolding backdrop of the Cold War, American and European leaders began working to reshape Western Europe. They sought to adapt the region to a changing world in which European empires were rapidly disintegrating, Soviet influence was spreading, and the United States could no longer shoulder the entire political and economic burden of the West yet hesitated to share it with Europe. Focusing on the four largest Atlantic powers — Britain, France, Germany, and the United States — Jeffrey Giauque explores these early stages of European integration.
Giauque uses evidence from newly opened international archives to show how a mix of cooperation and collaboration shaped efforts to unify postwar Europe. He examines the “grand designs” each country developed to advance its own interests, specific plans for collaboration or accord, and the reactions of the other Atlantic powers to these proposals. Competing national interests not only derailed many otherwise sound plans for European unity, Giauque says, but also influenced such nascent European institutions as the Common Market, the antecedent of today’s European Union. Indeed, beyond examining the origins of the European community, this comparative study provides insight into national attitudes and aspirations that continue to shape European and American policies today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grand Designs and Visions of Unity about?
In the late 1950s, against the unfolding backdrop of the Cold War, American and European leaders began working to reshape Western Europe. They sought to adapt the region to a changing world in which European empires were rapidly disintegrating, Soviet influence was spreading, and the United States could no longer shoulder the entire political and economic burden of the West yet hesitated to share it with Europe. Focusing on the four largest Atlantic powers — Britain, France, Germany, and the United States — Jeffrey Giauque explores these early stages of European integration.
Giauque uses evidence from newly opened international archives to show how a mix of cooperation and collaboration shaped efforts to unify postwar Europe. He examines the “grand designs” each country developed to advance its own interests, specific plans for collaboration or accord, and the reactions of the other Atlantic powers to these proposals. Competing national interests not only derailed many otherwise sound plans for European unity, Giauque says, but also influenced such nascent European institutions as the Common Market, the antecedent of today’s European Union. Indeed, beyond examining the origins of the European community, this comparative study provides insight into national attitudes and aspirations that continue to shape European and American policies today.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Grand Designs and Visions of Unity?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of Grand Designs and Visions of Unity?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807826799
How long is Grand Designs and Visions of Unity and how many pages does it have?
Grand Designs and Visions of Unity has 344 page(s)
Is Grand Designs and Visions of Unity part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Cold War History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Grand Designs and Visions of Unity?
Jeffrey Glen Giauque
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Grand Designs and Visions of Unity is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807826799) and paperback(ISBN 9780807853443) and ebook(ISBN 9780807860175) and pdf(ISBN 9798890873606)
Where can I buy Grand Designs and Visions of Unity online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Grand Designs and Visions of Unity from below
Where can I buy Grand Designs and Visions of Unity?