1. Wars of the 18th Century

2. European rivalries and Balance of Power
Reason of State as a motivator of diplomacy and foreign policy. What does this mean?

3. The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) (AKA--The War of Jenkins’ Ear)
France, Prussia, Spain and others vs. Austria, Britain, Russia and others
Where was the fighting?
Fighting in Europe, North America, India (Madras)
War ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle--Prussia received Silesia. England got part of French North America (part of Canada--Arcadia) and Madras back.

4. Diplomatic Revolution

6. The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763)
Change of Rivalries
Austria’s Count Wenzel von Kaunitz sealed an alliance with France
Austria, France, and Russia vs. GB, Prussia.
This was the “first world war,” for sure!

7. War in Europe 1. Nothing was really accomplished
2. Frederick II did well, then he didn’t. Then Tsarina Elizabeth of Russia, died.
3. Peter III (Catherine’s husband) gave Frederick a break and all ended as it started.
4. Austria officially recognized Prussia’s possession of Silesia in the Peace of Hubertusburg, 1763.

8. War in India Robert Clive kept it for India. France officially left.
Remember the Battle of Plassey, 1757? Yep!
War in India

9. War in America--The French and Indian War
We Americans are partial to this war, as it started here before it started in Europe--1754
1. Fighting started in the Ohio Valley (George Washington of all people started it) and ended in today’s Quebec (Quebec City and Montreal).
2. Battle of Quebec City--Wolfe defeated Montcalm, 1759.

11. Let us pause in silence

12. 3. Many Native American tribes allied themselves with the French, who were nicer.
4. In the Treaty of Paris, France relinquished all American possessions.

13. Winners and losers of the Seven Years’ war? Who?

15. European Armies and Warfare in the 18th century
Let’s keep it simple:
1. Armies increased in size.
E.g.: France’s army increased from 190,00-300,000 between 1740 and Tre bien!
2. Landed aristocracy held the highest positions; middle class had the, uh, middle position in the military.
3. Peasants were needed for farming, so many monarchs opted for mercenaries.
4. Britain didn’t even have a large standing army, hence the Hessians in America.
5. Britain and the Netherlands went for naval power.
6. Tedious formalities developed to avoid wanton destruction, etc. (Surrender and retreat rules, etc.)