European Union Creation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Union Creation - Essay Example The European Union comprises of a majority of states in Europe. Starting from a membership of 6 nations it has grown to 27. The 1957 Treaty of Rome was the foundation for the European Union. Since then it has experienced many changes. The EU consists of common project and policies controlled by member nations. World War 2 was a watershed in the history of Europe. There had never been such a tremendous cost in human and economic which hit Europe so hard. There was a desire to avoid the horrors of war like the Holocaust, concentration camps, slave labour and the numerous other atrocities which were perpetrated in the war. There was also a yearning for an end to warfare since the horrors of modern warfare had been exposed in the conflict. The cold war was also developing between the Soviet Union and United States. The threat of annihilation from nuclear weapons remained. Charlemagne and The Holy Roman Empire were both historical examples of attempts to unite Europe. The Arab conquest of Spain, South France and Italy also led to the idea of a united Christendom against the Moors. There were also ideas about the peaceful unification of European following the threat from the Ottoman Turks. The end of the American Revolution also led to calls for a similar United States of Europe. The rise of nationalism and fascism in the 1930s would however destroy any dreams of United Europe.