1. By Courtney Elzy & Saun Cox

2.  The purpose of forming the EU was to form unity between Euro countries and to prevent a third world war. As the new member states continue to join the economy and military continues strengthen, and politics are more competitive.

4.  The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 member state which are mostly located in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community or the ECSC and the European Economic Community (EEC) formed by the six countries in the 1950s. In the intervening years the EU has grown in size by the accession of new member states, and in power by the addition of policy areas to its remit.

5.  1951 the Six sign the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).  1952 the Six sign in Paris the European Defense Community Treaty. The ECSC Treaty enters into force. Jean Monnet is appointed President of the High Authority and Paul-Henri Spaak of the Common Assembly.  1957 the Treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community Are signed by the Six in Rome as of today they will be referred to as the "Treaties of Rome".  1967 The United Kingdom re-applies to join the Community. It is followed by Ireland and Denmark and, a little later, by Norway. General de Gaulle is still reluctant to accept British accession.  1973 Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Communities.  1975 the outcome of the British referendum reveals that 67.2% of voters are in favor of the United Kingdom remaining a member of the Community.  1978 a European Council is held in Brussels, Belgium. It establishes the European Monetary System based on a European currency unit (the ECU) and the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM).  1986 the Single European Act modifying the Treaty of Rome is signed in Luxembourg and The Hague.  1992 the Treaty on the EU is signed in Maastricht by the Foreign and Finance Ministers of the Member States  1993 the Single European Market enters into force.  2002 the opening session of the Convention on the Future of Europe is held in Brussels. The Convention starts to prepare the draft of the Treaty, establishing a Constitution of Europe.

6.  "EUROPA - The EU at a Glance - The History of the European Union." EUROPA – The Official Website of the European Union. Web. 09 Feb. 2011..