The Franco-Prussian Conflict of 1998

With the political and economic pressures of the nineties weighing heavily on
Europe the two major powers of the EEC were at each others throats (again). 

France has had a conservative, increasingly nationalistic government for several 
years. They have been also increased their protectionist policies for their
indigenous industries and agriculture. This has increased tensions with it's 
EEC partners. Germany being it's strongest EEC partner was hurt by these 
practices more than many of it's other partners. This coupled with reunification
has caused tensions between the two trading partners to a head.

France, felt that she was in a position to lead the EEC and spurred by the
increased nationalism decides to put Germany in it's place. The north sea
was turned into an economic exclusion zone by the French for ships
putting into or leaving German ports. France felt that the 'puny' German
Navy could do little or nothing to stop them.

It was still to soon after WWII for Germany's NATO allies to feel that they
could aid her against an aggressive France, so Germany will have to go it
alone.

The Two Big boys of the EEC were about to have it out.
