Why did the United Kingdom join the EEC in 1973?

The United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 because it was believed that continental prosperity could negate the sense of decline which had gripped Britain during the decades after the end of the Second World War. Britain had lost much of her Empire, and was economically stagnating relative to other European nations. It was believed that joining the Common Market would improve economic growth, and also create stronger political ties with the member states. Edward Heath, the Prime Minister who took Britain into the EEC, had long believed that European integration would secure a lasting peace on the continent after two deveststing World Wars. Britain had attempted to join the EEC twice before, but had been vetoed both times by French President Charles de Gaulle. After de Gaulle’s retirement in 1969, the path to accession in 1973 was clear.