Transition from Coal and Steel to Trade in European Integration

The coal and steel community was central to European stabilization from the 1870s to the 1950s, but its significance diminished in the 50s due to rapid economic growth. Europe started importing steel and transitioned away from coal, leading to the establishment of the common market in 1957, superseding the coal and steel community. The subsequent defining elements of European integration became the common market and common currency. Ironically, agriculture played a more defining role than coal and steel in shaping European politics, despite historical trends.