The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) was a global conflict that spanned five continents, though it was known in America as the “French and Indian War.” After years of skirmishes between England and France in North America, England officially declared war on France in 1756, setting off what Winston Churchill later called “the first world war.” While the French, British, and Spanish battled over colonies in the New World, Frederick the Great of Prussia faced off against Austria, France, Russia and Sweden. The Seven Year’s War ended with two treaties. The Treaty of Hubertusburg granted Silesia to Prussia and enhanced Frederick the Great’s Power. The Treaty of Paris between France, Spain and Great Britain drew colonial lines largely in favor of the British, an outcome that would later influence the French to intervene in the war for American Independence.
