The two concepts at the centre of this book: Europe, and the Second World War, are constantly changing in public perception. Now that 'Europe' is an even more contested idea than ever, this volume informs the current discourse on European identity by analysing Europe's reaction to the tragedy, heroism and disgrace of the Second World War.
"This book presents several answers to the question why the project of European integration was initiated and took off after the Second World War. It is a most valuable publication for all who are interested in European identity, both its prerequisites and possibilities. It is invaluable for any serious consideration of the context and beginning of the European integration project in the 1950s." (Mats Andrén, The European Legacy, Vol. 21 (5-6), April, 2016)
