Mid-18 th century Wars

1. Mid-18th century Wars

2. I. Warfare during the 18th c. (in general) • Professional armies/navies led by? • War followed well-recognized_________ • Civilian population? • Reason for War?

3. II. The 2 major areas of conflict 1) 2)

4. III. The Wars • War of Jenkin’s Ear (1739-1748) (Keep in mind, the Treaty of Utrecht had given 2 special privileges to Gr. Britain in the Spanish Empire) a) a 30-year asiento b)Portobello c) Problems arose b/c This war marked the opening encounter to a series of European wars fought across the world until 1815.

5. The War of Jenkin’s Ear led to the War of Austrian Succession. How? These 2 wars could have remained separate disputes if it had not been for the role of France.

6. Before the War of Austrian Succession – and for a dozen years – the Grand Alliance fought Louis XIV (France biggest threat for a long time) Austria Prussia versus France Dutch English

7. War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) • Frederick II (the Great) ignored Pragmatic Sanction and seized Silesia • Siliesia had 1 million people, a prosperous linen industry, and rich deposits of iron ore • France supports Prussia. Why? • Traditional enemy of Austria b/c • Austria upset that Spanish Habsburgs lost control of Spain to the Bourbons (War of Spanish Succession) • (remember – Louis XIV’s grandson Philip V got the throne, but after the war he had to agree NOT to unite France and Spain… • AND, Louis XIV gave Spanish Netherlands to Austria)

8. A fateful decision in French history. WHY? • French aid consolidated a new & powerful state in Germany (Prussia) • French aid drew _______ into the war, b/c it wanted to make sure the Low Countries remained under the control of Austria and not France.

9. France supported Spain in the New World. Why? (Spanish king is a ______) * This aid left Fr military and economic resources badly divided. • War ended in a stalemate • Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle * Frederick keeps Silesia which confirms Prussia’s status as a great power and chief rival of Austria in German affairs.

10. War of Austrian Succession (1749-1748) pitted: Prussia Franceversus Britain SpainAustria • France supported Prussia because Austria was France’s traditional enemy • France supported Spain to fight British in the New World • War of Austrian Succession ends in stalemate (Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle) • Good for Maria Theresa because she can rebuild army and form new alliances…which she does do, and does very well

11. 3. The Diplomatic Revolution • Austrian chancellor, Count Kaunitz, vowed to recover Silesia • He formed a coalition that included France Austria & Russia • One consequence of this new alliance was the marriage of Marie Antoinette to the future Louis XVI of France. • England allies w/ Prussia to stick to its policy of maintaining a balance-of-power on the continent • Frederick of Prussia feared invasions by both France and Russia • France would now fight to restore Austrian Supremacy in central Europe ! !

12. Diplomatic Revolution of 1756 Major shift in alliances – this is before the Seven Year’s War Prussia versus France Britain Austria • Prussia and British sign Convention of Westminster • Frederick feared France and Russia • Woah!!! British have now joined forces with Prussia…Austria’s enemy from war of Austrian Succession!!! • France and Austria sign an alliance • This completely reversed what French foreign policy had followed since the 16th century.

13. 4. The Seven Years’ War • Begins when Frederick II invades Saxony (thought Saxony, Austria & France were conspiring to destroy Prussian Power) • Fred’s greatest fear realized when: Sweden, Russia & many German states join with France and Austria to defeat Prussia • Prussia wins b/c of 2 things: 1 – British financial support 2 – Peter III of Russia backed out because he admired Fred II d) Result of war? Prussia keeps Silesia & ranks among the great powers AND France no longer a major colonial power in Americas.

14. Referred to as the French & Indian War in North America • Though the war is over on the European continent, France & Britain continue the fight on the American continent. • British & British Colonists in America vs France and various American Indian tribes

15. Results of French & Indian War • British win, thanks to William Pitt the Elder (Secretary of War) who pumped money into Prussian war effort to divert French resources and attention away from the colonial struggle. • France forced to cede eastern part of French Louisiana to the British • France cedes western part to Spain because it lost Florida to the British • By 1800 France regains control of western French Louisiana • Between 1755 & 1760, the value of French colonial trade fell by more than 80%

16. NEVER had Gr. Britain or any other European power experienced such a complete worldwide military victory. It was now a WORLD power, not just a European power. • Treaty of Paris (Feb. 1763) ended the commercial struggle b/t Gr. Brit and France

17. The American Revolution

18. I. After the Treaty of Paris • British national debt had risen considerably • British felt it rational for colonies to bear part of the cost for their protection and administration. • Taxes: Sugar, Stamp • Boston Massacre • Tea Tax (Boston Tea Party)

19. George III? John Wilkes? Yorkshire Association Movement?