The debate about the model for constructing Europe in France, Italy, Germany and Spain (1930-1950)

Abstract

The article analyses the debate around the model for European construction arising in France, Italy, Germany and Spain from 1930-1950. It examines the historic background to the idea of European construction during the interwar period, such as the first collective movements, which were then articulated after the Second World War around the European Movement. In the case of Spain, the first pro-European proposals, with roots in the ideas of Joaquín Costa, developed around figures such as José Ortega y Gasset, Salvador de Madariaga and Juan Marichal. After the Spanish Civil War, coinciding with the post-war years elsewhere in Europe, various pro-European groups in exile and in Spain, some of them expressing a moderate opposition to Franco’s regime, took steps to join international pro-European movements. The article highlights the fact that, while starting from different political, historical and cultural environments, especially in the case of Spain at that time, common features can be identified in the genesis and evolution of the pro-European ideas in the different countries analysed.