Why France Lost Seven Years' War

France and England were traditional enemies. In North America alone they have fought each other in four different wars. But it was not until the Seven Years' War (1756-63) that the issue of who controlled the continent was settled once and for all. During that struggle Great Britain finally made the conquest of New France a priority and invested enough men and equipment to accomplish its aim. With the help of the Royal Navy, New France was effectively cut off from reinforcements, while at the same time it allowed the British to build up the necessary strength in the thirteen colonies to destroy the French presence in North America. British Naval Supremacy coupled with England's escalation of the war in North America sealed the fate of New France during the Seven Years' War.[1]. 

 

In order to understand what happened in North America during the war, it is necessary to understand that the conflict there was only one part of, what some historians view, as the first real global war. Britain and France not only fought in North America, but in India, Europe and on the seas. Given so many theatres of war, each with differing degrees of importance, it was necessary that nations had to choose priorities.[2]. 

 

It was easy for England to set priorities. Thanks to her island status and the supremacy of the Royal Navy, it was unnecessary for Britain to field a large conventional army to defend its shores or to fight in Europe. Since the United Kingdom's greatest interest was in sea trade and amassing colonies, it was only natural that the war at sea and in the colonies got preference. The only problem was that she was obliged to protect the Kingdom of Hanover, which was technically in Union with England. Britain solved this problem by making an alliance with Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was arguably the greatest General of the time. They also financed a German Army to fight in Hanover as well as sending a few troops of their own.[3]. 

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