An Ever Closer Union: Formation of the EU

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Getting Started

Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.

Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings

European Union formation
European Union history
European History -- History
Europe -- Economic Integration -- History

Books/Print Resources at DPL

European integration : a political history / Mark Gilbert, Johns Hopkins Univer…
The United States of Europe : the new superpower and the end of American suprem…

Database/Online Resources

Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources. The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.

World History (Gale)

Research resources for human history of the world. Find topics about human civilizations, countries, cultures, economics, events, periods or eras, human rights, political organizations, religions, and wars. Includes reference and encyclopedia entries, biographies, news articles, primary sources, and academic journals.

Available with library card

Visit World History (Gale)
Sample Articles
"European Union." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, edited by William A. Darity, Jr., 2nd ed., vol. 3, Macmillan Reference USA, 2008, pp. 23-26.
"The European Union Is Established: November 1, 1993." Global Events: Milestone Events Throughout History, edited by Jennifer Stock, vol. 4: Europe, Gale, 2014.
Sample Articles
An Economic History of the World since 1400. Episode 42, Germany, the European Union, and the Euro.

Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982 (Ebsco)

Comprehensive index of popular general-interest magazines published in the United States reflecting the history of 20th century America. This resource primarily includes citations, but there are a limited number of items availaible in full text. Includes an option to search for peer-reviewed sources. Once you've found a citation for an article you want to read, ask a librarian if you need help finding the article's full text.

Available with library card

Visit Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982 (Ebsco)
Sample Articles
Phillips, T. R., et al. “Three Reports on Western European Union.” New Republic, vol. 131, Nov. 1954, pp. 8–12.
GALIN, Alexander. “Europe: Split or United?” Foreign Affairs, vol. 25, Apr. 1947, pp. 408–420.
KREKELER, Heinz Ludwig. “Germany’s Role in World Affairs.” Vital Speeches of the Day, vol. 21, May 1955, pp. 1227–1229.
Sample Articles
By HAROLD CALLENDERSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES. "SINGLE MARKET IS STEP TOWARD GOAL OF UNITY: EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY PUTS END TO MAJOR BARRIERS." New York Times (1923-), Feb 15, 1953, pp. 1.
By ARNALDO CORTESI Special to The New York Times. "EUROPEANS UNITE IN CUSTOMS UNION AND ATOM AGENCY: SIGNING OF 2 PACTS IN ROME PAVES WAY FOR FORMING 6-NATION FEDERATION MACHINERY IS ESTABLISHED UNITY WILL BE GRADUAL EUROPEANS SIGN TWO UNITY PACTS ROME MA
By ANTHONY LEWISSpecial to The New,York Times. "10 COUNTRIES SIGN PACT TO ENLARGE COMMON MARKET: MILLIONS OF EUROPEANS WATCH HISTORIC CEREMONIES ON TV FROM BRUSSELS ENTRY WOULD BE JAN. 1 BRITAIN, NORWAY, DENMARK AND IRELAND STILL MUST RATIFY ARRANGEMENT N
By CRAIG R WHITNEYSpecial to The New,York Times. "With European Union's Arrival, Fears on Economy Cast a Shadow: With European Union's Arrival, Fears on Economy Cast a Shadow Europe has Achieved its Union, but Unity is Elusive." New York Times (1923-), Oc

Prospector: Materials from Other Colorado and Wyoming Libraries

​​As a Denver Public Library customer, you can also borrow materials from other libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Use Prospector to request materials that DPL does not own.

Ever closer union : an introduction to European integration / Desmond Dinan
European Union history : themes and debates / edited by Wolfram Kaiser and Anto…
The ever-changing Union ; an introduction to the history, institutions and deci…

Internet Sources

Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.

The history of the European Union
From the European Union's website - a chronology of events by decade, starting from the end of World War II through present day. Also includes brief biographies of European Union "pioneers".
How does the EU work? | CNBC Explains
The origins of the EU go all the way back to the 1950s, but many Europeans are still unaware of what it does. CNBC’s Silvia Amaro explains how the political and economic arrangement works.

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