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 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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 Prussian Jungkenn Müntzer Fusiliers Uniform - Source: Dal The Seven Years' War Project now numbers 1,294 articles and more than 1,700 images. From June 22 to 28, we have published the following articles:
Furthermore, we have published several new images (for more details see Recent Changes) :
N.B.: we have temporarily removed the colours of Hesse-Kassel which are currently being redone using new sources. We will continue to populate the knowledge base with articles encompassing all aspects of this war: the armies and navies of the various states 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...) |
