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This book collects contributions by Richard T. Griffiths on the history of European integration, some published for the first time in English. The essays range in chronology from the early experiences with the Marshall Plan to the difficulties and opportunities for the EFTA countries afforded by association with the EEC in the 1970s and 80s. The book interprets European integration far wider than simply the current European Union and its forerunners. Thus, it devotes chapters to EFTA, the OECD, and to issues as agriculture, cartels and monetary problems. The volume also contains the essay in the title which poses the question of what would have happened had there been no Schuman Plan back in 1950. This book should appeal to students of contemporary history, especially those interested in EU history, and to political scientists who will discover a rich palette of case studies upon which to test their theories. Its constructively critical slant on developments provides interesting perspectives to those general readers seeking a nuanced approach between the extremes of the current pro- or anti- in the debates on Europe.

During the 1950's the West European Socialist parties found themselves divided on the question of "European integration". This cleavage not only separated different national parties from each other but caused deep and painful rifts within national parties themselves. The related controversies form the core of this volume, consisting of a synthetic analysis, thirteen national case studies, and testimonies of three "eyewitnesses" (Marinus van der Goes van Naters, Christian Pineau, Mario Zagari) closely involved with the events described. The collection deals with an important aspect of the pre-history of the European Economic Community and provides a useful tool for its comparative study

List of Contents -- 1. The Foundations of Dutch Prosperity -- 2. A Description of Post War Economic Developments and Economic Policy in the Netherlands -- 3. Counter-Inflation Policy in the Netherlands -- 4. The Influence of Natural Gas on the Dutch Economy -- 5. Sectoral and Regional Imbalances in the Dutch Economy -- 6. The Netherlands Central Planning Bureau -- 7. Interest Groups in Dutch Domestic Politics -- 8. Patterns of Voting Behaviour in the Netherlands -- 9. Government Formation in the Netherlands -- 10. The Legacy of Empire -- 11. The Netherlands and the European Communities -- Notes on Contributors.

1. Dutch Industrial Performance in a European Context -- 2. Economic Development in the Netherlands -- 3. Factors in Industrial Retardation -- 4. Case Study I: The Old Staple Industries -- 5. Case Study II: The Engineering Industry -- 6. Case Study III: Cotton Textiles under the Nederlandsche Handel Maatschappij -- 7. Summary and Conclusion -- Appendix: Source of the Steam-Engine Survey 1851 -- Appendix: Source of the Annual Provincial Reports made to the King -- Archivalia -- Notes.