Introduction; 1. The young Helmut Schmidt and British-German relations, 1945–74; 2. Harold Wilson, 1974–76; 3. James Callaghan, 1976–79; 4. Margaret Thatcher, 1979–82; Conclusions.
This major reinterpretation of British-German relations in the 1970s explores why the two countries rarely saw eye to eye over European integration.
Mathias Haeussler is Assistant Professor (Akademischer Rat a.Z.) at Universität Regensburg, Germany, having previously been Lumley Research Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He has held fellowships at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and the Library of Congress.
'In a lucid analytical feat, Haeussler uses a close focus on Helmut
Schmidt to explore two competing worldviews and divergent national
strategies, which in turn illuminate two very different approaches
to European integration. A most insightful re-examination of
Britain's and Germany's roles in a defining moment of European
politics.' Federico Romero, European University Institute,
Florence
'With great empathy not only with Helmut Schmidt, but also with
Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher, Mathias
Haeussler highlights the high degree of British-German cooperation
behind the notorious quarrels on EC matters. A major contribution
to understand European politics in the 1970s.' Wilfried Loth,
Universität Duisburg–Essen
'A powerful analysis of Anglo-German relations. A challenging, yet
fascinating book that tells us much about Anglo-German relations
over 50 years. It explains the personalities involved and the deep
impact of different national histories upon the relationship today.
Essential reading for our troubled times.' Anne Deighton, Emerit
Professor of European International Politics, University of
Oxford
'This book qualifies the standard notion of the UK as an awkward
partner in European politics during the 1970s and early 1980s (by
broadening the scope beyond EC matters to security and defense). An
important read for anyone interested in the history of
British-German relations and European cooperation during the last
two decades of the Cold War.' Kiran Klaus Patel, Universiteit
Maastricht, Netherlands
'This is a very well-researched and thoughtful study of a crucial
bilateral relationship, which highlights how much Britain and the
Federal Republic have had in common, before explaining why they
have nevertheless managed to misunderstand each other much more
frequently than they ought to have done'. Piers Ludlow, London
School of Economics and Political Science
'The author's wide-ranging source analysis is particularly
impressive. Haeussler has evaluated German, British, and US
archives, and has skillfully interpreted his findings from these.'
Guido Theimeyer, German Historical Institute London Bulletin
'… fascinating … an important correction to the standard trope of
Britain as an awkward partner in European politics.' Stefan Berger,
Central European History
'This book is a solid work of diplomatic history on German -
British relations.' Wolfgang Schmidt, Journal of Contemporary
History
'… a wonderfully rich resource, especially for diplomatic
historians and political scientists. Part character study of
Schmidt and his British interlocutors, part split-screen tour
through two abidingly different political cultures, Haeussler's
book allows us to ponder how a 'European misunderstanding' could
arise and persist between two comparable European polities, in
spite of their leaders' sustained engagement with one another.'
Christian Bailey, Journal of Modern History
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