The European Economic Community (EEC), known as the Common Market in the United Kingdom was an international organisation created in 1957 to bring about economic integration between Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The EEC had its origins in the 1951 Treaty of Paris which created the European Coal and Steel Community (ESSC), the forerunner of the European Economic Community. In 1956 Paul-Henri Spaak led the Intergovernmental Conference on the Common Market and Euratom which led to the signature of the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957 which established the European Economic Community.
Britain joined the Common Market in 1973, following two unsuccessful attempts in 1963 and 1967 where her entry was vetoed by Charles de Gaulle.
In 1975 a referendum was held in the United Kingdom, asking whether the electorate wished to remain part of the European Economic Community. Supporters for the 'Yes' Campaign included Denis Healey, Margaret Thatcher and Harold Wilson. However politicians such as Tony Benn, Enoch Powell and Michael Foot believed Britain should withdraw from the Common Market. The British public voted to remain in the EEC.
In 1993 the European Union was founded and the EEC was transformed into the European Community.
Click on the thumbnails for larger versions of the images.
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Circular regarding "Britain and the Common Market: A One-day Conference for Trade Unionists, Socialists and Co-operators', published by the Federal Union, 12 February 1961. Copyright of the Federal Union. (FEDERAL TRUST/D/2)
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"The Common Market and You: Loss of Sovereignty in The Common Market", campaign leaflet published by the Conservative Anti-Common Market Information Service. Copyright of the Conservative Party Trust. (LONGDEN/9/4/1)
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"Referendum on the European Community (Common Market): Why You Should Vote No", published by the National Referendum Campaign, 1975. Copyright of HMSO, reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use License. (MORRIS/2/1)
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"Referendum on the European Community (Common Market): Why You Should Vote Yes", published by Britain in Europe, 1975. Copyright of HMSO, reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use License. (MORRIS/2/1)
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