In 1945, the German town of Wesel, located on the banks of the River Rhine, is partly destroyed by Allied bombings, giving the impression of a lunar landscape.

The economic situation in conquered Germany is precarious. In 1945, 70 % of the towns have been destroyed, and shortages are widespread.

Le projet français de Communauté européenne du charbon et de l'acier est volontairement entouré d'un grand secret. Au début, neuf personnes seulement en sont informées: Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Bernard Clappier, René Pleven, René Mayer, Pierre Uri, Étienne Hirsch, Robert Marjolin et Paul Reuter.