Wars With France Flashcards
(4 cards)
Causes of the seven years war?
Britain and France were traditional enemies and both felt threatened by each others growing ambitious empires. So to increase their strength both sides began to take over colonies outside of Europe. As these areas provided valuable raw materials and also served as markets for their goods. As either country gained more territory it weakens the others power and lost them money from trade, so it became a long race to gain territory especially in North America the Caribbean and Africa.
Why did Britain win the seven years war?
At first france seemed to have many advantages over Britain:
It was a bigger country, with a greater population army and wealth. Another key factor was its ally in Spain.
However despite this Britain decisively won as on land it paid its ally Prussia (now Poland Germany and Russia) to send soldiers alongside the brits to fight the French, this led to big victories in Minden and Quebec ending French power in most of North America.
At sea Britain had the upper hand from the start as it’s 105 warships greatly outnumbered Frances 70, and their control of the seas allowed them to capture French colonies in the Caribbean and transfer troops and supplies to and from North America simultaneously stopping France from doing the same. And when admiral hawke smashed a French fleet at quiberon bay on the coast of France most of the French shipping in the channel stopped and prevented any threat of an invasion.
A key victory was also won in India in 1757 which finally drove the French out as the two sides had been fighting over India for over 100 years.
The war dragged on for the next few years but eventually halted in 1763 following the treaty of Paris, France and Spain returned everything they had taken from Britain, which kept most of what it had conquered including all of Frances Canadian territory and most of its Caribbean islands.
Impacts of the seven years war?
Short Term:
The biggest impact on ordinary people was recruitment as both the army and navy were allowed to force men into service. Most people opposed conscription to the army but many grudgingly accepted naval impressment as they knew it was key to the nation’s security. Financial incentives and patriotic propaganda was used to recruit young men.
The costly war also meant taxes were raised significantly. The government also borrowed lots of money leaving the country with huge national debt. There was no income tax so they taxed essentials like tea and sugar to affect everyone.
Long term:
The economic consequences of the war were significant. But the military success also turned Britain into an imperial power. Following the war the navy and army shrunk but it was still far higher than before which proved costly as Britain had troops all over the world.
Impact on trade and industry:
Britain now dominated global trade and with that came great wealth as the country had access to the goods and resources across the world and with so many new colonies the strength of their army increased with India providing huge manpower for them. Britain also got control of the trans Atlantic slave trade and many goods in North America. All of this led to the British Industrial Revolution and Britain becoming the first industrial nation.
Attitudes to the seven years war?
Most people throughout Britain supported the seven years war however this was for several different reasons whether it be out of deep rooted hatred for the French or a religious standpoint as France and Spain were catholic.
Britains great successes further encouraged people support and turned Britain into a global superpower which brought great economic benefits and a sense of national pride.
The support for the war was represented by the culture in Britain as newspapers and journals reflected the enthusiasm for the war.
