Question: Earlier British entry into Europe Post WW2

In OTL Britain entered the European Community in 1973, after a long flirtation. As a result of this decision, there were quite substantial trade and other impacts on Britain's relations with Commonwealth countries, especially NZ, Canada and Australia. I know in NZ's case this was quite traumatic economically and culturally amongst people of that generation and it took a decade or so to really sort out the economic fallout.

On the other hand, the process of disengagement from the global stage and the Commonwealth and engagement in Europe had long been likely and may have been the right choice for Britain. America had long looked like supplanting Britain in these countries anyway, economically, politically and culturally, especially after the events of WW2.

Anyway, the point of the thread is to see what you think would happen to the above countries, the Commonwealth, the US-UK axis and decolonisation if Britain's decision was a fair bit earlier. I am thinking in particular of two dates, 1957 and 1961, but am open to other dates as I am no expert.

I know that the EC that they would join in the 50s or 60s would be a different beast than 1973 and they could reshape it to a certain extent, but assume that it is still a pretty close trading and otherwise group, close to OTL.

Does this change things much post war in the inner Commonwealth? Does decolonisation still occur as IOTL? Does Britain cosy up to the US as IOTL? I imagine if they join before 1961 Britain may seek to keep an independent nuclear deterrant.

Speculate away!
 
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Well, an earlier situation is going to need to have someone other than de Gaulle (who OTL vetoed British entry into Europe at some point in the 60s IIRC) in charge of France.
 
The most common PoD suggested on previous threads is a succesful Suez adventure leading to a much stronger Franco-British Alliance, especially if the Americans had still tried to de-rail it. There also wouldn't have been Winds of Change and a rush to decolonize, possibly meaning that some colonies remain linked to Britain to this day. There certainly would be close nuclear co-operation, perhaps the Force de Frappe gets V-Bombers and the two countries work together on warhead and missile development.

Assuming Algeria still goes as IOTL and De Gaulle returns to power then with chillier Anglo-American relations post Suez perhaps De Gaulle doesn't have the same objections to Britain in Europe and the two countries continue to work together. I think the EEC would still come into existence but it would be a Europe de Patrie and not a federal union, Britain may well have been able to negotiate special trade agreements with the Commonwealth and so retain links with the Old Commonwealth.
 
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