Introduction
Understanding the Genesis of the European Union and the U.S. Leadership
The establishment of the European Union (EU) marked a pivotal moment in European history, fostering collaboration and integration among nations. This exploration delves into the timeframe when the EU was founded and the notable figure at the helm of the United States during this transformative period.
Step 1: The Birth of the European Union
Post-War Europe: After the devastation of World War II, European leaders sought a path to prevent future conflicts through economic cooperation and shared values. The precursor to the EU, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), was founded in 1951, laying the groundwork for broader collaboration.
Treaty of Rome: The pivotal Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957, laid the foundation for the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). This treaty solidified the principles of a common market and cooperation in atomic energy.
Step 2: The U.S. Presidency Amid EU’s Formation
Dwight D. Eisenhower: The U.S. President during the formative years of the EU was Dwight D. Eisenhower. Serving two terms from 1953 to 1961, Eisenhower was a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during a period of intense geopolitical dynamics, including the early stages of the European integration process.
Eisenhower’s Influence: Exploring Eisenhower’s role in supporting European integration, particularly through the Marshall Plan, which aimed to rebuild Europe’s economy post-World War II. Eisenhower’s strategic vision included fostering strong alliances to counter the influence of the Soviet Union.
Step 3: The EU’s Evolution and Legacy
Expanded Cooperation: The EU evolved over the years, expanding its membership and scope. The Maastricht Treaty in 1993 further solidified the European Union, introducing the concept of a common currency, the Euro, and paving the way for increased political cooperation.
Legacy of Integration: Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the EU, this section explores how the union has contributed to regional stability, economic growth, and a shared commitment to democratic values. The EU has become a symbol of multilateralism and cooperation on the global stage.
Comparison
 European Union |
 United States |
|
|---|---|---|
| Population | 446,828,803 (2022)[13] | 331,893,745 (2021)[14] |
| GDP (PPP)[15] | US$20.918 trillion (2021) | US$25.346 trillion (2022) |
| GDP (Nominal)[16] | US$17.128 trillion (2021) | US$25.346 trillion (2022) |
| GDP Per Capita[17][18] | $45,541 (2020) | $67,426 (2020) |
| Global merchandise exports[19] $ billion and world % and rank |
1932 (2016) 15.4% (2) | 1455 (2016) 11.6% (3) |
| Global merchandise imports[19]$ billion and world % and rank | 1889 (2016) 14.8% (2) | 2251 (2016) 17.6% (1) |
| Global commercial services exports[19]$ billion and world % and rank | 917 (2016) 24.9% (1) | 733 (2016) 19.9% (2) |
| Global commercial services imports[19]$ billion and world % and rank | 772 (2016) 21.1% (1) | 482 (2016) 13.2% (2) |
| Area | 4,233,262 km2 (1,634,472 sq mi) | 9,826,630 km2 (3,794,080 sq mi) |
| Population density | 106/km2 (274.5/sq mi) | 35/km2 (90.6/sq mi) |
| Capital | Brussels (de facto) | Washington, D.C. |
| Global cities[20] | Paris, Madrid, Athens, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Munich | New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston |
| Government | Supranational parliamentary democracy based on the European treaties[21] | Federal presidential republic based on the United States Constitution |
| First Leader | High Authority President Jean Monnet | President George Washington |
| Current Leader | Council President Charles Michel Commission President Ursula von der Leyen |
President Joe Biden |
| Current Vice Leader | Vice Commission President Frans Timmermans | Vice President Kamala Harris |
| Legislature | Council of the European Union and European Parliament | United States Congress |
| Official languages | 24 official languages, of which 3 are considered procedural (English, French and German[22]) | None (English de facto national language only) |
| Main religions | 72% Christianity (48% Catholicism, 12% Protestantism, 8% Eastern Orthodoxy, 4% other Christianity), 23% irreligious, 2% Islam. | 70.6% Christianity (46.5% Protestantism, 20.8% Catholicism, 1.6% Mormonism, 1.7% other Christianity), 22.8% irreligious, 1.9% Judaism, 1% Islam. |
| Ethnic groups | Germans (ca. 75 million), French (ca. 65 million), Italians (ca. 60 million), Spanish (ca. 47 million), Poles (ca. 40 million), Romanians (ca. 16 million), Dutch (ca. 15 million), Greeks (ca. 13 million), Portuguese (ca. 11 million), and others | 77.1% White American, 13.3% African American, 5.6% Asian American, 2.6% two or more races, 1.2% Native American, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 17.6% Hispanic and Latino Americans (of any race) |
Conclusion
The founding of the European Union, with its roots in the post-war period and the Treaty of Rome, was contemporaneous with Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency in the United States. Eisenhower’s leadership during this critical juncture played a role in fostering alliances and supporting the vision of a united Europe. The EU’s journey from its early stages to a formidable political and economic entity underscores the significance of international collaboration in shaping the course of history. The interplay between the EU’s formation and U.S. leadership encapsulates a chapter of global history where nations sought unity and cooperation for a more stable and prosperous future.
