The Europe illusion : Britain, France, Germany and the long history of European integration

In The Europe Illusion, Stuart Sweeney considers Britain's relationships with France and Prussia-Germany since the map of Europe was redrawn at Westphalia in 1648. A timely and far-sighted study, it argues that integration in Europe has evolved through diplomatic, economic, and cultural links cemented among these three states. Indeed, as wars became more destructive and economic expectations were elevated these states struggled to survive alone. Yet it has been rare for all three to be friends at the same time. Instead, apparent setbacks like Brexit can be seen as reflective of a more pragmatic Europe, where integration proceeds within variable geometry. "In The Europe Illusion, Stuart Sweeney considers Britain's relationships with France and Prussia-Germany since the map of Europe was redrawn at Westphalia in 1648. A timely and far-sighted study, it argues that integration in Europe has evolved through diplomatic, economic and cultural links cemented between these three states, and that - as wars became increasingly destructive and economic expectations were elevated - states struggled to survive alone. Yet it has been rare for all three to be friends at the same time. While common trends can be seen within the European states, there is an illusion of unity, since cultural particularisms have always tempered full integration. In this broader context, setbacks like Brexit can be seen as predictable and manageable. After all, the federal project has a strong pedigree, with roots in the Holy Roman Empire, and the EU remains a formidable institution of twenty-seven states. While Britain is left to forge a role outside the EU, Sweeney identifies a familiar semi-detachment, highlighting pragmatism and historical constancy at the heart of Europe."-- Provided by publisher Cover 1 Title Page 4 Imprint Page 5 Contents 6 Introduction: Brexit, Populist Aberration or Slow Burn Revolt? 8 1: From Holy Roman Empire to German Empire: Wars, Politics and Diplomacy, 1648–1864 17 2: From Bismarck to Brexit: Wars, Politics and Diplomacy, 1864–2018 63 3: Cameralism to Cobden-Chevalier: Economics of European Integration, 1648–1871 107 4: Bismarck’s Gold Standard to EMU: Economics of European Integration, 1871–2018 146 5: From Empire Plantations to Boers and Boxers: Empires, Migrations and Europe, 1648–1904 199 6: From Entente to Enlargement: Empires, Migrations and Europe, 1902–2018 238 7: Religion and the ‘Other’ in Europe, 1648–2018 279 Conclusion 331 References 350 Bibliography 365 Acknowledgements 376 Index 378