Constancy and flirtation: Germany, Britain and the EEC, 1957-1972

Abstract

Anglo-German relations since the Second World War have been, in contrast to earlier periods of the twentieth century, generally warm and constructive. There have, however, also been periods of acute tension, showing that underlying sources of conflict remain. This volume of essays by leading historians from both countries explores the relationship first in matters of 'high politics': different approaches to European integration, common interests in security through NATO, and reactions to German unification. The second part of the volume examines broader themes, the comparative performance of the two economies, and cultural influences both at the elite and popular levels. The development of common assumptions in some areas, for instance among historians, has not been matched in others, such as in the reporting of football matches. British perceptions have remained coloured by fears of German dominance, a fear aggravated by the success of the Federal Republic compared to the relative decline of Britain in the post-war period