A Short History of Brexit

Imagine Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War: cities lay in ruins, millions mourned lost loved ones, and economies were shattered. The scars of industrial warfare were deep, with some countries losing nearly a tenth of their population. Such devastation was unprecedented, and the continent yearned for a new path forward. Amid this landscape, the seeds of a new Europe were sown—not through traditional diplomacy alone, but through a bold experiment in supranational integration. This was a radical departure from the past. For centuries, Europe had been a patchwork of fiercely independent states, often locked in conflict. Yet, the leaders of the day recognized that political fragmentation had become dangerously costly, especially with the advent of modern industrial warfare.

One of the most symbolic gestures of this new era was the reconciliation between France and Germany, two nations whose rivalry had fueled multiple devastating wars. By pooling their coal and steel industries under a supranational authority, they sought to bind their destinies together, making war not only unthinkable but materially impossible. This innovative model gave birth to the European Coal and Steel Community, the precursor to today’s European Union.

But why supranational? Why not just voluntary cooperation? The answer lies in the need for binding commitments. Nations had to surrender some sovereignty to a higher authority capable of enforcing decisions, ensuring that no country could unilaterally disrupt the fragile peace. This was embodied in institutions like the High Authority and the European Court of Justice, which could make decisions that transcended national interests. Such pooling of sovereignty was a revolutionary idea, particularly for countries like Britain, which valued its independence.

Economic realities also played a crucial role. Europe needed to rebuild, and that meant ensuring food security and economic stability. Agriculture, a vital sector, required protection through guaranteed prices and coordinated policies to prevent market chaos. The Common Agricultural Policy emerged as a necessary compromise, balancing the demands of different nations and preserving rural livelihoods. This delicate balancing act illustrated the complexity of integrating diverse economies and societies.

These early steps towards integration were not just about economics or politics; they were about healing a continent torn apart by war, creating a framework for lasting peace and prosperity. They laid the foundation for a Europe that would be more than the sum of its parts, bound together by institutions designed to transcend old rivalries.

As we move forward, we will explore how Britain’s unique history shaped its cautious and sometimes resistant stance towards these developments, setting the stage for the complex relationship that would eventually culminate in Brexit.