While the factors just outlined have been influential in shaping Britain's approach towards the EU they have not necessarily been the most significant. Therefore for the purpose of this essay concentration will be centred solely on how Britain's relationship with the wider world and how the question of sovereignty have been significant in shaping Britain's approach to the EU .
At the end of the Second World War, Europe was in tatters. The countries of Europe lay in ruins, physically and economically, and the morale of the people was destroyed. It was from this background that the idea of the EU was born. In 1951 the foundations of what is today the EU were laid by the signing of the Treaty of Paris by France, West Germany, Italy and the Benelux states. It has grown to become an economic giant of 15 member states, including the somewhat reluctant UK, contained within the worlds largest market system. The UK holds a unique position within the EU, unparalleled across the continent. Although a strong and involved member of the union on some levels, significantly affected by her mainland partners, Britain also stands apart as something different and separate from the concept of Europe.
Victory in the aforementioned war meant that Britain was never occupied or defeated like the other six founding countries members. Although Britain had suffered greatly in the Second World War, the people of Britain had not been as directly affected by European differences; so the desire to form a stable Europe was not as urgent as on mainland Europe. A major reason behind Britain's lack of urgency in joining the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC - the origins of the EU) at the initial stages was the existence of the Commonwealth. From the offset Britain was reluctant, she still had an empire, parts of which were clearly going, but leaving behind a Commonwealth which, many British people thought, would keep Britain in her privileged position in the world.