Published by Primary Source Microfilm

Series One: The Archives of the European Movement

The Concept of European Unity

The European Movement focused attention on the idea of a united Europe on two levels. Firstly, a united Europe would serve as a call to all shattered communities to unite and rebuild during the post-war period. In addition, a strong and unified Europe would provide a counterpoise to the emerging might of the USSR. The concept of European unity won huge support from the U.S. in both financial and emotional terms: both as a counterpoise to the U.S.S.R. and as a solution to the historic antagonism between France and Germany.

Forged in wartime, the European Movement emerged in 1944 as a group of individuals and governments united in their desire to rebuild and unite post-war Europe. It was born from a network of relationships formed during resistance to Nazi rule during World War II and continued to build after the war in the face of growing American power and Stalin's triumphs in Eastern Europe, eventually surfacing after the Hague Conference of 1948.

This archive is relevant for all studies of post-war Europe, including political, economic and social history. Its key research application is for those scholars involved in European Integration and Community Studies. Furthermore, it should be used by those seeking to compare and contrast the development of European and American federalism and the principle differences between these two blocs of power.

Access

The Archives of the European Movement are held at The Historical Archives of the European Communities, within the European University Institute, Florence. A detailed listing of the Archives may be accessed and searched on the Web, within the 'ME' section of 'Deposits' at: http://wwwarc.iue.it/ehar/groups.html

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