After the Second World War the countries of Europe's over riding fear was of a resurgent Germany. The experience of the war meant countries leaders were encouraged to look for other option (than war). Europe was really a negative reaction to the threat of Germany and was born out of pessimism. A community of security.
Security.
Frances overriding obsession was an overwhelming fear of Germany. Her foreign policy was a German policy; how to control Germany and secure a solution to the problem.
The forth republic initially tried to achieve alliances and international control of Germany via control of the Ruhr arsenal, economies attachment of, the Saar to France, occupation of the Rhineland and the prevention of a German state.
Three of these had to be abandoned by 1949, owing to differences between the four occupying powers. France then began to look to Europe to solve the problem of Germany.
During the years 1950-1954 the idea of a European Defence Community was debated but, this was rejected by the French National Assembly, De Gaulle rejected.
Supra-nationalism which meant for him the submerging of the French personality and would prevent France from regaining what he saw as her rightful position in Europe. His aim was for France to be dominant in an Older Europe whose geographical boundaries were wider than those of the six, Europe was seen as a road back to great power status as well as security from German Aggression.
The six decided to create an economic community, built around the free movement of goods, workers and services. The first step along this way was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
This was the first supra-national organisation and was restricted to two sectors of the economy, coal and steel. This permitted the creation of basic institutions of high authority- Council of Ministers and Common Assembly. Coal and steel were the basis of the war industries and by pooling their production this meant partial control of Germany.
