Competition and cooperation. The Franco-German conflict over European currency integration, 1968–1983

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Herbert
• Subject Area: Modern and Contemporary History
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 451733859

The research project examines the change in equilibrium between the Federal Republic of Germany and France and its effects on the European Monetary Integration in the 1970s. The apparent hegemony of France in the EC could not be sustained in view of the decreasing influence of France in world politics and the economic rise of the Federal Republic. This was particularly reflected in the currency turmoil following the end of the Bretton Woods order. Without a reconciliation of interests between the two countries on the central question of currency integration, further development of European integration in the 1970s was not possible. The project examines why and how, in the course of the long 1970s, a consensus was reached in spite of striking differences in interests and financial culture as well as significant setbacks in this field.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants