Post-war British public opinion viewed the European project with skepticism due to the recent history of two major conflicts with continental powers.

“I mean, people have lived through two wars in which the continent was nothing but trouble. I mean, that would be one way you could frame it.”

British governments historically sought to join the European project out of weakness and necessity rather than genuine enthusiasm.

“Both of them were basically born out of weakness and desperation, and not enthusiasm. British governments did not try to join Europe because they loved Europe. They were trying to join Europe basically cuz they'd run out of other options, and this was the last card in the deck.”