European Common Market and The Free Trade Area

Author- United States Department of State press statement on the European Common Market and the Free Trade Area, January 15,1957, the US government writes back offering support for these negotiations because it unifies different countries and improves their economy.

Context-Belgium, France, the German Republic, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are all joining together to establish a European market where there are no barriers during trade. This is in order to keep peace between these six countries. It will help each of these six countries prosper and raise their economies. Tariffs would be put on all foreign goods being export to those not in the market.

Language- The document was designed for those who are educated and it is directed towards the people. It is also spoken in a way that is understandable as well as informative. It was showed to the U.S to gain their approval. It was a convincing document that showed all the pros of this arrangement.

Audience- The document informs the people about the situation, the audience who is reading this would most likely be those who are educated and interested in the economy as well as politics

Intent- the intent of this press statement is to get the people aware of how this could help their economy and help build their economy back up after the war. The author was trying to bring the people and the countries together.

Message- It was to convince the people that this change would be beneficial to all involved. They have gained the U.S approval and are able to form a market representing all of the six countries. This treaty helps prevent the spread of communism.

3 thoughts on “European Common Market and The Free Trade Area

  1. Good work, though you have forgotten to mention some key points, I think. First off, the UK is mentioned quite a bit in this piece, and its inclusion into the free trade area should not be ignored. With its inclusion, most of Western Europe would be unified together in free trade, and against communism. The UK is a linchpin in this instance since it still holds some economic power and is a go-between from the US to the UK. Also, although you touched on this, this piece has definite anti-communist undertones, although it isn’t outrightly mentioned, and the goal of this pact is to unify against its growing forces in the East.

  2. I would argue that preventing the spread of communism is indeed one of the main purposes of this piece. The piece unifies the Western European powers against those of Eastern Europe. Additionally, it attempted to prevent any problems or conflicts in Western Europe; since there was already conflict between East and West, conflicts within the West were especially necessary to avoid.

  3. I really think you do a great job of explaining the intent of this piece. In particular, I really like the way that the piece ends for it is very convincing and addresses the hope of the common market and free trade area. The conclusion states, “it is our hope and expectation that the negotiations on the common market and free trade area will be carried forward and concluded in such a manner that from these European initiatives will come a new contribution to the unity and prosperity of Europe and the Atlantic Community and to the welfare of the entire free world.” I believe this is convincing because they explain the benefits of the common market and free trade area and how that will benefit everyone, in particular the relationship between Europe and the community in the Atlantic.

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