A new and detailed study of the European Community's development between 1963 and 1969, with a special focus on the struggle between France and its EC partners over the purpose, structure and membership of the emerging European Community.
On all three, French President Charles de Gaulle held divergent views from those of his fellow leaders. The six years in question were hence marked by a succession of confrontations over what the Community did, the way in which it functioned, and the question of whether new members (notably Britain) should be allowed to enter. Despite these multiple crises, however, the six founding members continued to press on with their joint experiment, demonstrating a surprisingly firm commitment to cooperation with each other. The period thus highlights both the strengths and the weaknesses of the early Community and highlights the origins of many of the structures and procedures that have survived until the current day.

Introduction: Writing a Supranational History of the EEC 1. Back From the Brink (January-December 1963) 2. From Cereals Agreement to Council Breakdown (January 1964 - June 1965) 3. A Careful Confrontation (July-December 1965) 4. National Interest and the Rescue of the EEC (January - July 1966) 5. The Return of the English Question (September 1966 - December 1967) 6. The Impossibility of Progress à Six (January 1968 - April 1969) 7. The Road to The Hague (June - December 1969) Conclusions The Gaullist Challenge and its Effects