What and when was the Seven Years' War?
The Seven Years’ War (1756-63) erupted from the latest in a long history of tensions between Britain and France as they each looked to exert their supremacy; it would have far-reaching and global repercussions. Fighting began in North America as a colonial struggle for control of the upper Ohio River Valley region, while in Europe the conflict centred on a territorial dispute between Prussia (Britain’s ally) and Austria (France’s ally) over the wealthy province of Silesia, modern-day Poland.
But as alliances came into play, the war pulled in all the major European powers and was fought around the world: not only in North America and Europe, but India, the Caribbean, West Africa, and the seas in between. That is why it is now considered the original world war.
Who fought in the Seven Years' War?
On one side of the conflict was a coalition led by Britain, including Prussia, Hanover (which was held by the British king, George II), Portugal and a handful of small German states. On the other side was France, Austria, Saxony, Sweden, Spain and Russia. In North America, both the British and French had allies among the Native American tribes.
