The 7 years war

INTRO

This is the European conflict between 1756 and 1763 between England and Prussia against France, Austria, Russia, Sweden, Spain, and German princes.

ORIGIN OF THE CONFLICT

The Franco-British confrontation over the constitution of a colonial empire in India and America, the desire of Maria Theresa to retake Silesia from Prussia caused a reversal of alliances. From 1755, Europe was divided into two camps: by the Treaty of Westminster (1756), England and Prussia pledged to repel from Germany any foreign invasion (George II seeking to protect Hanover); by the first treaty of Versailles (1756), Austria, already allied with Russia, engaged with France a defensive alliance. Sweden, most of the German princes and then the Bourbons of Naples, Parma and Madrid (united to France in the Family Pact) also enter the conflict. England and France fight on sea and at the colonies, Prussia and the European coalition on the continent. The two simultaneous wars last seven years.

THE CONTINENTAL WAR

The beginning of the war is unfavorable to Frederick II (defeat of Kolín, June 1757). He must evacuate Bohemia, while the Russians enter East Prussia, the Swedes in Pomerania, and Marshal Richelieu occupy Hanover (capitulation of the English to Kloster Zeven, September 1757). He then won victories (Rossbach on the French, Leuthen on the Austrians, Zorndorf on the Russians) in 1757-1758. Then the struggle is uncertain (entry of Austro-Russians in Berlin in October 1760, occupation of Saxony and Silesia by the Imperials). But Peter III becomes Tsar of Russia. Admirator of Frederick II, he returns his conquests, imitated by Sweden. After his victory of Burkersdorf (July 1762) over Austria, the latter, exhausted, engaged in peace negotiations.

THE MARITIME AND COLONIAL WAR

England took the advantage over France, which suffered defeats on its own coast (Quiberon, 1759), in North America (losses of Louisbourg, Quebec, Montreal, 1760), in India finally, where Lally Tollendal fails in front of Madras (1758-1759), while the French comptoirs fall into the hands of the English. The extension of hostilities and new failures push Louis XV to make peace with England.

CONCLUSION OF THE 7 YEARS WAR

The two treaties of February 1763 (Treaty of Paris between France and England, treaty of Hubertsbourg between Austria and Prussia) consecrate the victory of England, mistress of the seas, which has robbed France of vast colonial possessions (Canada, is of Louisiana, part of the West Indies, Senegal), and of Prussia, which has become one of the first military powers of Europe.

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