An important part of the Schuman Plan was to end a longstanding French and German rivalry. Why was this considered vital to bringing lasting peace to Europe?

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The French and German rivalry had been an important contributing factor to both World War I and World War II. Schuman specifically cited the elimination of that rivalry as an important step to end future threats of war on the continent. Schuman’s plan was to align Europe’s nations economically and politically, and the establishment of friendly ties between Germany and France was an important part of this process.