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Frederick II of Prussia - Source: Wikimedia Commons

In 1756, more than 250 years ago, the major powers of Europe got entangled in a conflict now known as the Seven Years' War that was to last until 1763. It involved all the major powers of Europe, with Austria, France, Russia, Saxony, Sweden, and later Spain siding against Great Britain, Hanover, Prussia, and later Portugal.

The war had in fact begun in 1755 in North America and India where France and Great Britain were struggling for colonial supremacy. In Europe, Maria Theresa of Austria had endeavoured intense diplomatic efforts to forge an alliance against Prussia with the goal of wresting the lost province of Silesia from the grasp of Prussia.

Frederick II of Prussia invaded Saxony in 1756 and Bohemia in 1757. However, he had to abandon Bohemia after the defeat of Kolin. Prussians were now in the defensive against Austrians in Silesia, Franco-Imperials in Saxony and Russians in East Prussia. Frederick II saved Prussia by two brilliant victories at Rossbach and Leuthen. Meanwhile French had successfully invaded Hanover but were soon pushed back on the Rhine.

In North America, the first years of the conflict turned to the advantage of France. In Asia, Bengal was virtually under British rule by the end of 1757.

From 1758, Prussia managed to contain its enemies on all front. In 1762, it was on the verge of being defeated when the Tsarina died leaving the throne to Peter III, one of Frederick's biggest "fan". The new Tsar sided with Prussia.

Meanwhile, year after year, the struggle between France and the Anglo-Hanoverians in Western Germany remained inconclusive. By the end of each campaign the belligerents were basically back to their initial positions.

In America, Africa and Asia, the tide turned in 1758. Great Britain successively conquered Senegal (1758), Guadeloupe (1759), Canada (1759-60), Dominica (1761), Martinique (1762), Cuba (1762).

In 1762, a new front opened in the Iberian Peninsula where a Franco-Spanish army vainly attempted the conquest of Portugal.

Early in 1763, all belligerents made peace, leaving the political map of Europe almost unchanged. However, Great Britain had eliminated its most important competitor for the domination of the world, and Prussia had survived the war, a feat by itself... (more...)

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Image of the week
Russian grenadier, musketeer, staff officer and officer from 1756 to 1762. - Source: Richard Knötel Uniformkunde

The Seven Years' War Project has been launched in October 2006. It already numbers 842 articles and more than 900 images.

This week, we have published a Richard Knötel illustration and integrated additional information taken from the journal of the chevalier de Lévis to our articles on the North American campaigns of 1755 and 1756. (for more details see Recent Changes).

Publication of new articles will be interrupted during our summer holidays and will resume on July 21. Enjoy your holidays!

We will continue to populate the knowledge base with articles encompassing all aspects of this war: the armies and navies of the various nations who took part to the conflict, as well as the campaigns, battles, and sieges where they have been involved. Individuals who played a major role in the conflict will also receive attention. (see News Archives...)