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By the end of this lesson, students will be able to explain the historical context and steps that led to the creation of the European Union, identify key figures and founding documents, and understand the significance of the EU's symbols and institutions.

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What were the key events and motivations behind the creation of the European Union?

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The teacher will provide an overview of the historical context, including post-World War II Europe, the Marshall Plan, and the Schuman Declaration. Key figures such as Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, and Konrad Adenauer will be discussed.

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Students will work in small groups to examine primary source documents such as the Treaty of Rome and the Maastricht Treaty. Each group will present their findings using Padlet.

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Two treaties were signed on 25 March 1957 - the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom). For both new Communities, decisions were taken by the Council on a proposal from the Commission. The Parliamentary Assembly is to be consulted, and give its opinions to the Council. The Assembly increases in size to 142 members. The European Parliamentary Assembly held its first session the following year, on 19 March 1958. With the Treaties of Rome, a specific provision is made for members to be directly elected (this was implemented in 1979).

Signed in: Rome (Italy) 25 March 1957

Entry into force: 1st January 1958

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Two treaties were signed on 25 March 1957 - the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom). For both new Communities, decisions were taken by the Council on a proposal from the Commission.

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Students will independently create a timeline of the events leading up to the creation of the EU, using online resources provided.

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History of the EU, EU pioneers | European Union

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Timeline of major events in EU history. How the EU has developed over the decades. Visionary men and women who inspired the creation of the modern-day EU.

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For remediation, students can watch a video summarizing the creation of the EU. For extension, students can research and present on one of the EU's founding fathers.

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Students will participate in a class discussion to answer and elaborate on the essential question.

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Students will complete a 5-minute quiz on the key events and figures discussed during the lesson.

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This online quiz has been created for secondary school pupils to help them understand the basics about the EU. It can be played as part of a lesson or as homework. It works on computers, tablets and smartphones.

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Students will write a brief reflection on what they found most interesting about the creation of the European Union and submit it via Padlet.

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In a group discussion, students will summarize the key points of the lesson and how the creation of the EU impacts Europe today.

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Students will complete a worksheet to reinforce their understanding of the timeline of events that led to the creation of the EU.

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HOW TO USE THE EU TIMELINE

Welcome to the EU Timeline! See here how you can navigate through time periods or categories, how you can insert your own event into the time periods, and even share and print out your favourite items.

Add your event

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Students will read selected articles on the EU's founding and present a summary in the next class.

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Signed: 17 February 1986 (Luxembourg) / 28 February 1986 (The Hague)

Entered into force: 1 July 1987

Purpose: to reform the institutions in preparation for Portugal and Spain's membership and speed up decision-making in preparation for the single market.

Main changes: extension of qualified majority voting in the Council (making it harder for a single country to veto proposed legislation), creation of the cooperation and assent procedures, giving Parliament more influence.
Full text of the Single European Act

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See a summary of the main treaties, which helped shape the EU: Lisbon, Nice, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rome treaties and more.