Britain joins European Economic Community
  • 1. On January 1, 1973, Britain officially joined the European Economic Community (EEC), marking a significant shift in its economic and political landscape. The decision to join was the culmination of years of debate and negotiation, reflecting the post-World War II desire for greater economic cooperation in Europe. While the EEC was initially formed in 1957 with six founding members, Britain's accession was seen as a critical step in the expansion of the community, which aimed to create a unified market that encouraged free trade and economic collaboration among its members. The accession was not without controversy; debates surged within Britain regarding the implications of relinquishing some degree of national sovereignty in favor of collective decision-making with other European nations. Proponents argued that joining the EEC would bolster Britain's economy by increasing access to a larger market and attracting foreign investment, while critics worried about the potential loss of control over national policies and regulations. Ultimately, Britain's membership in the EEC would pave the way for further integration with Europe, influencing domestic policy and leading to profound changes in trade, agriculture, and immigration policies during the years that followed.

    When did Britain join the European Economic Community (EEC)?
A) 1957
B) 1985
C) 1999
D) 1973
  • 2. Which British Prime Minister signed the accession treaty to join the EEC?
A) Margaret Thatcher
B) Tony Blair
C) Winston Churchill
D) Edward Heath
  • 3. Which European country challenged Britain's application to join the EEC in the 1960s?
A) Italy
B) Germany
C) France
D) Netherlands
  • 4. What was the public opinion in Britain regarding joining the EEC in the early 1970s?
A) Divided
B) Neutral
C) Strong support
D) Strong opposition
  • 5. In what year did the British government hold a referendum on continued membership in the EEC?
A) 2000
B) 1990
C) 1975
D) 1980
  • 6. Which country joined the EEC at the same time as Britain in 1973?
A) Finland
B) Sweden
C) Norway
D) Denmark
  • 7. Which British political party was divided over the issue of joining the EEC?
A) Conservative Party
B) Liberal Democrats
C) Labour Party
D) UK Independence Party
  • 8. What role did the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) play in Britain's decision to join the EEC?
A) Alternative to EEC membership
B) Opposed EEC membership
C) Had no influence
D) Encouraged joining EEC
  • 9. What was the primary concern of opponents to Britain joining the EEC?
A) Environmental degradation
B) Economic decline
C) Social unrest
D) Loss of sovereignty
  • 10. Which treaty established the European Economic Community?
A) Treaty of Rome
B) Maastricht Treaty
C) Treaty of Versailles
D) Lisbon Treaty
  • 11. Which of these countries did not join the EEC at the same time as Britain in 1973?
A) Norway
B) Ireland
C) Denmark
D) Italy
  • 12. Which region of the UK heavily supported remaining in the EEC during the 2016 referendum?
A) England
B) Wales
C) Scotland
D) Northern Ireland
  • 13. Which British monarch was reigning at the time of Britain's accession to the EEC?
A) Queen Victoria
B) Queen Elizabeth II
C) King George VI
D) King George III
  • 14. Which European city hosted the signing of the Treaty of Accession for Britain to join the EEC?
A) Paris
B) Brussels
C) Rome
D) Amsterdam
  • 15. Which British newspaper published a controversial headline in 1972 regarding Britain's application to join the EEC?
A) Daily Mirror
B) The Guardian
C) The Times
D) The Sun
  • 16. What was the name of the group established in 1952 that proposed a common market for coal and steel in Europe, laying the groundwork for the EEC?
A) European Economic Community
B) United Nations
C) Commonwealth of Nations
D) European Coal and Steel Community
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