The word "Schuman" is spelled with a "sch" digraph, which represents the "sh" sound. The "u" in "Schuman" is pronounced as the "uh" sound, and the following "m" is pronounced with a nasalized "m" sound. The last syllable of "Schuman" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a "n" sound. In phonetic transcription, "Schuman" is spelled as /ˈʃu.mən/. This pronunciation is most commonly used for the surname of Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union.
There is no dictionary definition for the term "schuman" in English. However, an alternative term is "Schuman plan". Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of the term "Schuman plan":
The Schuman plan, named after French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, refers to a historical proposal announced on May 9, 1950, that laid the groundwork for the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The plan was a prominent step towards European integration following the devastation caused by World War II. Schuman's proposal sought to merge the coal and steel industries of key European countries, primarily France and Germany, in order to prevent future conflicts and establish peace on the continent.
The Schuman plan envisioned pooling the production of coal and steel to create a common market and a supranational authority to oversee these vital sectors. This initiative aimed to bind together former adversaries and reduce the possibility of war through economic cooperation. The ECSC, resulting from the Schuman plan, was effectively the first supranational organization in Europe.
The Schuman plan's significance lies in its role as a precursor and foundation for the later development of the European Union (EU). It demonstrated a commitment to shared governance and the pursuit of common interests, which set the stage for deeper political and economic integration among European nations. Ultimately, the Schuman plan laid the groundwork for a more unified Europe and marked a significant step toward the establishment of the European Union.