AP Euro Unit VII Section 34: The Great War of the Mid-Eighteenth Century: The Peace of Paris, 1763

• war of Austrian succession = 1740-1748

• seven years war = 1756-1763

1. What principal issues were involved in both the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War?

• AS was b/c of who inherits throne next

• SY was b/c Prussia took over Silesia 

2. How did warfare in the eighteenth century compare to earlier wars?

• more formal, methodical, and cautious 

  • civilians less impacted b/c contained conflicts

• drafted soldiers that were economically challenged

• modernized army

  • lived in barracks

  • wore uniforms

  • fought for pay rather than religious or national causes 

• fought for different reasons

  • started by gov’t rather than people

  • fought for power, prestige, or strategic interests instead of religion or morals

• peace

  • treaties negotiated instead of forced

• alliances constantly shifted

3. In what sense was the War of the Austrian Succession a German civil struggle?

• internal division and struggle within HRE

• similar to other German conflicts like the 30 Years war

• war of AS ended up dividing Germany more

A conflict between Bourbons and Habsburgs?

• because of the French/bourbon rivalry towards the Habsburgs

• french wanted to keep HRE divided 

• power struggle between B and H

• B wanted to keep Europe away from Austrian dominance

• H wanted Austrian dominance 

How did the fighting overseas affect the situation in Europe

• Military

  • divide military resources between Europe and the colonies which led to military strain

• Financial

  • cost of troops and supplies fell on European nations like France and Britain

  • let to a shorter timeline b/c can’t support for long

• Alliance tensions

  • pressure on European alliances

  • countries in E became more aggressive in protecting and expanding oversea power

• global tensions

  • everyone wanted more global power

  • polarized opposing alliances

• treaties

  • peace negotiations based on outcome overseas

What were the major terms of the peace settlement?

• most European territories captured during war were returned

  • borders mostly restored to pre war state

• Maria Theresa recognized

• Prussia got Silesia

  • strengthened its position in Europe

• Colonies/overseas

  • anything taken over was given back to previous owner

  • balance of power between Britain and France

• Italy

  • Spanish bourbons now controlled Italian territories (Parma, Piacenza, Guastalla)

  • more bourbon influence in that region

4. Why may the reversal of alliances of 1756 be called a diplomatic revolution?

• shift in traditional alliances 

  • Austria + France formed an alliance (even though they were traditionally enemies) against Prussia 

  • Britain generally allies with Austria, but this time allied with Prussia 

• diplomacy

  • alliance based on mutual concerns about power and strategy rather than historical ties

  • strategic approach to diplomacy 

What role did Maria Theresa play in these events?

• defended Habsburg territories

  • wanted to reclaim Silesia which led to war of AS and 7 years war

• wanted to make Austrian military and administration stronger

• initiated Diplomatic revolution

  • MT sought new allies, led to alliance w/ france

• challenged Prussian dominance, secured new alliances, set Austria as key player in rivalry w/ Prussia

  • define German + Euro politics for decades

5. Describe the nature and outcome of the 7 Years War

   1. in Europe

• nature

  • power struggle

    • struggle for dominance in Europe

    • prussia aiming to asset power and retain territories like Silesia

    • Austria try to regain Silesia, counter Prussian influence, alliance with France and Russia

  • widespread and drawn out conflict

    • battles in Saxony, Bohemia, and Silesia

    • Prussia showed resilience and military skill despite losses

• outcome

  • Prussia emerged as a recognized major power in Europe with control of Silesia

  • Treaty of Hubertusburg

  • balance of power in Europe affirmed

2. in the colonial and naval struggle between France and Britain 

• Nature

  • global conflict in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and India  

  • British Naval dominance

    • helped britain control major sea routes, disrupting French supply lines and colonial defenses

  • French and British colonial rivalry 

    • both sought to expand its influence and protect its overseas territories 

• Outcome

  • British territorial gains

    • North America

      • France gave North American territory (east of Mississippi) to Britain, which included Canada

        • led to British supremacy in America

    • Spain

      • France gave territories west of the Mississippi, to Spain b/c of Spain's support in the war's later stages.

    • Caribbean and Africa

      • France retained economically valuable colonies such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and other African slave-trading stations

  • Strategic and Economic Effects:

    • Trade Growth

      • British + French trade w/ America and Asia grew after the war

    • British Naval Power

  • Long-term Implications:

    • British Empire Expansion

      • set stage for further British territorial expansion, especially in India

    • French Influence

      • French economic influence later challenged Britain

3. in India

• nature

  • power

    • colonial rivalry between Britain and France

    • france wanted to keep economic and commercial influence in India

    • british East India company + British military expanded its influence in India

• outcome

  • restricted French power

    • France can keep commercial outposts but can’t fortify them or interfere politically (limit French capacity for expansion in India)

  • British expansion

    • pushed Britain towards territorial dominance in India

    • british involvement deepened overtime, leading to direct political rule over the area

6. Summarize and evaluate the major provisions of the Treaty in Paris. In what sense was the year 1763 a “memorable turning point”?

• France 

  • forced to give North American territories to Britain and Spain (French lost influence in North America)

  • France kept territories in Caribbean, Africa, and India

• Britain

  • strategic gains b/c French has less economic power

  • gets more territory and influence

  • opened path for more colonial power

  • fueled British economic and military dominance globally

• turning point b/c expanded British influence, set stage for British colonial dominance, and reshaped the geopolitical landscape in North America, the Caribbean, and India