French President de Gaulle vetoed Britain’s first attempt to join the European Community (the British had initially withdrawn from negotiations to form the European Community, only to see them unexpectedly succeed). He would also veto the second attempt, in 1967. It was not until de Gaulle’s death that Britain’s successful entry into the European Community in 1971, which would later become the European Union (from which Britain would vote to leave—a twist of fate…)
