1. Britain’s entry into EEC in 1973
To understand and explain the reasons for Britain’s entry
into EEC in ‘73 and not before
Starter/recall
exercise – what
arguments for
and against EEC
entry can you
recall?
Reasons for entry Reasons against
Keywords
supranati
onal

2. This cartoon was published in March
1948 in London’s Evening Standard
Newspaper
1. Identify the characters & detail of cartoon
2. What does it suggest about Br’s entry into
Europe?

3. Anti Pro
EEC’s tarrifs would damage
commonwealth trade links.
EEC would provide larger ‘home market for
declining British industries
Causes tensions with Britain ‘s continuing
role within Commonwealth –
commonwealth is undergoing change and
ties weakening
British exports would suffer from imposition
of external tarriffs
Many Europeans seemed set on
supranational solutions.
Stiffer competition would force
improvements in Br industry & Greater
trading opportunities with six (W. Germany,
France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg)
Br wish to pursue free trade but
discussions with De Gaulle Broke down.
EEC proving a success; British ecomomy
lagging behind its rivals. Hopes will improve
competitiveness
USA wants EEC to succeed as counterweight
to Soviet Communism and urged Bri to join
Britain founded EFTA –European Free
Trade area, comprising Denmark Norway,
Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal.
Relation between EFTA and EEC strained,
leading to political tensions with W Europe.
Macmillan government decolonisation

4. Homework for this Thurs Britain’s entry into EEC in 1973
Task p. 65; 78-9 Rowe Textbook - Feedback
• Use evidence in chapter 5 & 6 of Rowe
textbook to write a paragraph explaining the
reasons why Britain’s membership of the EEC
came about between 1971 and 1975 but not
before. Need to include:
– What factors why didn’t join earlier;
– Why joined in ‘73

5. No. of applic Date PM & party What happened Outcome
1.
2.
3.
Read the 3 applications and complete the table (10 mins).
Stretch task 1 : compare the 2 failed attempts with
successful application. Why did the first fail?
What factors had changed?
Stretch 2:(if
time) Read Rowe
on Britain and
Europe: p.65 &
78-9 Rowe. How
does Rowe
explain what
factors changed
to allow entry?

6. July 1975: 17 million vote yes; 8 million
no
• Wilson called EEC
referendum in 1975
(Wilson had been against
membership since 1972).
He allowed the
referendum to go ahead
as a device to stop splits
in the Labour Party (than
because of any deep
commitment).
By 1975, voter support for
staying in EEC was stronger
than before. Britain’s
economic mess seemed to
prove why membership was
needed (survival). Most of
press strongly in favour.
‘Yes’ campaign financed by
business supporters, Heath
& Jenkins (no campaigners
are Foot and Powell).