  Succession to the Austrian throne. Emperor Charles IV died Maria Theresa. King Frederick of Prussia took advantage of a woman on the throne and invaded Austrian Silesia. France entered the war against Austria. Maria Theresa allied with Great Britain.

 In Europe. Prussia took Silesia.  In the Far East. France took Madras (Chennai) in India from the British.  In North America. British took French fort of Louisbourg at mouth of St. Lawrence River.

 New Allies France abandoned Prussia and allied with Austria. Russia saw Prussia as a threat and joined the alliance with France and Austria. Britain allied with Prussia British Prussians Austrians Russians French

 Diplomatic revolution led to worldwide war --- Prussian army successful..at first.  Attacked from three directions and worn down!  Near disaster until Peter III, the Russian czar (who greatly admired Frederick II) withdrew Russian forces from the conflict. War ended in 1763  Land returned  Austria recognized Prussia’s control of Silesia.

 Great War for Empire  Struggle continued between France and Britain in India.  British won because they were more persistent.  Treaty of Paris, 1763 French withdrew from India.

 To the French A trading area. (fur, fish, timber, leather). Difficult for them to get people to move here.  To the British 13 prosperous colonies. More populated.

 Water ways of the Gulf of the Saint Lawrence. (Near Quebec)  Ohio River Valley French began to move down from Canada and up from Louisiana and built forts in the Ohio River Valley.  This was a threat to British expansion!

 The French gained the support of the Native Americans. French were traders, not settlers. Viewed by Natives with less hostility than the British.

 William Pitt, British Prime Minister Put little into European wars while putting resources into the colonial war. (esp the Navy)  French had more troops here but were destroyed at sea!