Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763) was an international conflict involving Prussia against the allied European nations. It has been called the "first world war" by Winston Churchill, a British statesman and historian[1]. England was allied with Prussia while France was part of the opposing forces which also included Austria-Hungary and Russia. The conflict between England and France fought in the new North American colonies including Canada was called the French and Indian War, a small offshoot of the struggle in Europe.
Frederick the Great, a military genius, ruled Prussia and sought expansion. Able to keep the allies at bay with the superiority of his army, over time the numerical advantage of his enemies weighed down upon his forces. When it seemed he would suffer defeat, Russian empress Elizabeth died, and her prussophile successor Peter III removed Russia from the war. Frederick was able to save face and avoid defeat.
See Also
- ↑ Bowen, HV (1998). War and British Society 1688-1815. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.