West+Germany+-NM

 **European Union Research**   **Why was the European Union created?** ** -  The European Union was created so that Europe would not fall into further fighting after World War II** -** **Some leaders felt that if Europe did not unite than Europe would not be able to move on from their state of decline.** - **Europe** **had hit an economic doom due to World War II and they needed to work together to get out of this situation.** ** -   Germany and France had survived this downfall and Europe was afraid they would start a war against each other. ** ** -   Europe would become an insignificant figure if they did not pull through their current downfall. ** ** -  Other countries could easily come in and take over Europe if the multiple countries did not unite** ** -   Europe wanted to become an economic powerhouse so they created the European Union. **  **Give a thorough history of the EU.** ** -  In the 1950’s the European Coal and Steel Community unites a few countries politically and economically. These countries were Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.** ** -  On July 30, 1962 the European Union creates a pact, which gives the countries common control over food resources.** **- On January 1, 1973 Denmark, Great Britain, and Ireland join the European Union, which is known as the first enlargement.** ** -  In 1987 the European Union creates a “Single Market”** ** -  In 1981 Greece decides to become the 10th member of the European Union** ** -  In 1986 Spain and Portugal join the European Union becoming the 11th and 12th members.** **- In 1993 Single Market is completed with the four rules of movement of people, goods, services, and money** ** ** - **  January 1, 1999 euro introduced to economy**  **What is the purpose of the EU?** **- A main purpose of the European Union is to unite Europe both politically and economically** **- One purpose is to stop Europe from fighting with itself.** **- Also, a purpose is to make Europe a international figure of strength both locally and globally** **- The European Union provides safety and security for European countries from invaders.** **- Another purpose of the EU is to give a basic set of principles to European countries.** **- In the future will let Europe make advancements and innovations in many fields of work** **- Makes it so that Europe can pay for many things such as services and healthcare.** **- Another purpose of the European Union is to give Europe a “single market” which benefits trade between many of Europe’s countries and other countries world wide**  **How does the EU benefit Europeans?** **- The European Union provides peace among many countries, which is helps Europeans live a normal life.** **- The EU gives both a strong political and economical situation.** **- It created a common currency between many European countries belonging to the organization.** ** ** - **  Creates a web of support between the European countries belonging to it.** **- Gives an economic powerhouse to all the countries belonging to the European Union.** **- Gives Europeans safety and security from both neighboring and foreign invaders.** **- Creates the ability to have good trading, which gives more products and income to individuals.** **- Creates a high amount of income for people which provides a more relaxed life**
 * - Countries felt that they needed to have a unity of culture, politics, and economies.

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 * European Union Country:  ** ** Germany

Is your country a member of the EU?

 * Yes, Germany belongs to the European Union. West Germany was one of the original six in the organization that led to the founding of the European Union. This was the European Coal and Steel Company, which was an idea to unite countries of Europe into a combined economical and political community. At first only West Germany was part of the association because the eastern part of Germany did not relate to other European countries as much as it related to the Soviet Union. **

If it is, how and when did it become a member?

 * Germany became an original member of the European Union back when the organization only consisted of six countries. One big influence on their joining was Konrad Adenauer. He was the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and his job was to ensure security in Germany. He realized that there needed to be a united Europe for future success in this category. In his first six years at this position he achieved in helping form the European Steel and Coal Community, which led to his thought of a united Europe. He figured out that Germany had been in lots of trouble and needed a way to get involved with other countries. After being a member of this committee and the European Union for many years they decided that East and West Germany should unite. One of the most iconic sights and events in this reunification was the fall of the Berlin Wall. This was a wall that separated East Germany from West Germany, so that they would not be involved with each other. When it fell it symbolized the joining of two parts in order to create a whole. This was a big moment because it allowed Germany to increase its land area and grow in strength due to larger united numbers . **

What are the pros and cons of joining the EU for your country?

 * As in all things, there are pros and cons about joining and being a member of the European Union. One pro about joining the European Union is that it provides peace and gets rid of war between countries. This helps Germany because in the past Germany has had wars against many other European countries, which could cause disputes in the future. Also, the European Union creates a tightly woven security blanket, which helps Germany get support if they need it during a time of struggle. The European Union also gives a strong economic and political situation. This is a key factor for Germany joining the European Union because Germany has almost always been a large figure in the world and having this strong standpoint can create Germany into a rival for other countries. One last pro to Germany being a member of the EU is that it creates the ability to trade easily with other countries.  **
 * One con to joining the European Union is that if one country fails it could create a meltdown of European countries. This would be a major con because some countries still have negative thoughts about Germany after World War II and if Germany fell into a state of decline they could get revenge on them easily. Also, another con of Germany joining the European Union is that Germany would not be able to try independent ideas easily. Going on an independent path has always been a way for Germans to express themselves. If Germany were not able to do things independently than they would be cut from their rich historical past. Another downside to Germany’s membership of the European Union is that they must remain loyal to their bonds with other countries. This could be a negative for Germany because they have not always gotten along well with other European countries and if a dispute arises they would not be able to settle it they way that they used to. One last con is that Germany’s distinct and unique characteristics could be destroyed by their membership to the EU. This is a problem because if Germany’s distinct products, such as beer were not produced as much as usual then many people in Germany and Europe would become extremely upset . **

How does the EU benefit your country, whether it is a member or not?

 * Just like many other countries, Germany has valued from its membership to the European Union. The European Union has given Germany a strong economical and political situation among other countries. This organization has also returned Germany to a world power. This is a huge benefit for Germany because in the past they were a world leader and having the ability to regain that position is a huge factor. Another benefit of the European Union is that it gives a common currency between many countries. This is good because it makes it so that all countries have money that is worth the same amount. One more benefit to Germany’s belonging to the EU is that the EU has almost nearly eliminated war between many European Countries. This helps Germany because it gives them the ability to focus on more important technological advances instead of fighting of invaders. The European Union has also created bonds between Germany and other countries, even after the sides Germany has taken in past warfare. This is a benefit for Germany because it helps them become friendlier with their neighbors. The EU also benefits Germany by allowing it to easily trade its products to its neighbors. This is good because Germany has many valuable products, such as extremely fine hops that make delicious beer and trading these creates a nice income. One big bonus to Germany belonging to the European Union is that it provides security and help from others whenever Germany needs it. One final benefit of the EU is that it has given Germany the ability to give unemployment benefits to those who need them. This is true because the EU creates higher incomes, which means there is more money to put to good causes. **

Web Resources: http://www.civitas.org.uk/eufacts/FSMS/MS4.htm http://www.euractiv.com/en/opinion/germany-benefits-eu-membership-study/article-152137 http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/lesson_1/index_en.htm http://europa.eu/abc/history/foundingfathers/adenauer/index_en.htm  http://europa.eu/abc/history/index_en.htm  http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/europeanunion/European_Union.htm  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ee.html   http://www.wowessays.com/dbase/ae4/smr255.shtml Book Resource: Fuller, Barbara. __Germany__. New York: Benchmark Books, 1992. Picture Resources: http://www.pira-testing.com/pt/fpm/images/EU_flag.jpg http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2128899/germany-flag-main_Full.jpg http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/s/u/h/Berlin-wallready.jpg