History of Europe

What did the seven years war achieve?

1. Greatly expanded the British Empire

- Britain gained Canada and Florida from France

- Britain gained most of India from France

- Britain gained control of the Caribbean Sea

2. Ended French dominance in Europe

- France lost its status as the leading European power

- France lost most of its overseas territories

- France was forced to pay a huge war indemnity

3. Led to the rise of Prussia

- Prussia emerged from the war as a major European power

- Prussia gained control of Silesia from Austria

- Prussia became a rival to Britain and France

4. Sparked the American Revolution

- Britain emerged from the war with a large debt and increased taxes

- The American colonists resented the taxes and eventually rebelled

- The American Revolution led to the independence of the United States

5. Changed the balance of power in Europe

- The Seven Years' War resulted in a number of territorial changes and political realignments

- The war led to a new balance of power in Europe, with Britain and Prussia as the dominant powers

- The balance of power in Europe would remain relatively stable until the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789