In this article you will learn:

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) is one of the largest military conflicts of the 18th century. Its participants were countries whose possessions extended to all the then known continents (Australia and Antarctica still remained unknown).

Main participants:

• Habsburg Austria
• Great Britain
• Russian empire
• Prussian kingdom
• french kingdom

Causes

The prerequisite for the conflict was the unresolved geopolitical issues of the great powers of Europe in the previous confrontation - the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). Immediate causes new war contradictions arose between:

1. England and France with respect to their overseas possessions, in other words, there was a sharp colonial competition.

2. Austria and Prussia over the Silesian territories. In the previous conflict, the Prussians selected Silesia, the most industrialized region of the Habsburg monarchy, as the Austrians.

Map of military operations

coalitions

As a result of the last war, two coalitions were formed:

- Habsburg (main participants: Austria, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Saxony);

- anti-Habsburg (Prussia, France, Saxony).

By the mid-1750s, the situation continued, except that the Dutch chose neutrality, and the Saxons did not want to fight anymore, but maintained close relations with the Russians and Austrians.

During 1756, the so-called. "diplomatic coup". In January, secret negotiations between Prussia and England ended, and a subsidiary treaty was signed. Prussia was supposed to protect the European possessions of the English king (Hanover) for a fee. There was only one enemy - France. As a result, coalitions completely changed over the course of the year.

Now two groups confronted each other:

• Austria, Russia, France
• England and Prussia.

Other participants did not play a significant role in the war.

The beginning of the war

Frederick II the Great of Prussia main character Seven Years' War

The beginning of the war is considered to be the first battles in Europe. Both camps no longer concealed their intentions, so the allies of Russia discussed the fate of Prussia, its king Frederick II did not wait for the blows. In August 1756, he was the first to act: he invaded Saxony.

There were three main theaters of warfare:

• Europe
• North America
• India.

IN Russian historiography the former and latter are often treated separately from the war in Europe.

Fighting in North America

Back in January 1755, the British government decided to intercept a French convoy in the Canadian area. The attempt was unsuccessful. Versailles found out about this and broke off diplomatic relations with London. The confrontation was also on the ground - between the British and French colonists, with the involvement of the Indians. That year, an undeclared war was in full swing in North America.

The decisive battle was the Battle of Quebec (1759), after which the British captured the last French outpost in Canada.

In the same year, a powerful British landing captured Martinique, the center of French trade in the West Indies.

European theater

Here the main events of the war unfolded and all the warring parties took part in them. The stages of the war are conveniently structured by campaigns: every year there is a new campaign.

It is noteworthy that in general, military clashes were fought against Frederick II. Great Britain provided the main assistance in cash. The contribution of the army was insignificant, limited to the Hanoverian and neighboring lands. Also, Prussia was supported by small German principalities, providing their resources under the Prussian command.

Frederick II at the Battle of Kunersdorf

At the beginning of the war, there was an impression of quick victory allies over Prussia. However, for various reasons this did not happen. This:

- lack of coordinated coordination between the commands of Austria, Russia and France;

- Russian commanders-in-chief did not have the right of initiative, they depended on the decisions of the so-called. Conferences at the Highest Court.

On the contrary, Frederick the Great allowed his generals, if necessary, to act at their own discretion, to negotiate a ceasefire, etc. The king himself directly commanded his army and lived in the field. He could carry out lightning marches, thanks to which he “simultaneously” fought on different fronts. In addition, in the middle of the century, the Prussian military machine was considered exemplary.

Main battles:

• under Rosbach (November 1757).
• at Zorndorf (August 1758).
• at Kunersdorf (August 1759).
• the capture of Berlin by the troops of Z.G. Chernyshev (October 1760).
• at Freiberg (October 1762).

With the outbreak of the war, the Prussian army proved its ability to resist the three largest states of the continent almost alone. Until the end of the 1750s, the French lost their American possessions, the profits from the trade of which went to finance the war, including aid from Austria and Saxony. In general, the forces of the allies began to dwindle. Prussia was also exhausted, she held on only thanks to the financial assistance of England.

In January 1762 the situation changed: a new Russian emperor Peter III sent Frederick II a proposal for peace and alliance. Prussia took this turn as a gift of fate. The Russian Empire withdrew from the coalition, but did not break off relations with the former allies. Dialogue with Britain was also activated.

The anti-Prussian coalition began to fall apart after Russia, Sweden (in April) announced its intention to withdraw from the war. In Europe, they were afraid that Peter III would act together with Frederick the Great, but only a separate corps was transferred under the banner of the latter. However, the emperor was going to fight: with Denmark for his hereditary rights in Holstein. However, this adventure was avoided due to palace coup, who in June 1762 brought Catherine II to power.

In the autumn, Frederick won a brilliant victory at Freiberg and used this as an important argument for making peace. By that time, the French had lost their possessions in India and were forced to sit down at the negotiating table. Austria could no longer fight on its own.

Theater of War in Asia

In India, it all began with the confrontation between the ruler of Bengal and the British in 1757. The colonial French administration declared neutrality, even after the news of the war in Europe. However, the British quickly began attacking the French outposts. Unlike the previous War of the Austrian Succession, France was unable to turn the tide in its favor, and was defeated in India.

Peace resumed after the conclusion of treaties February 10, 1762 in Paris (between England and France) February 15, 1763 in Hubertusburg (between Austria and Prussia).

War results:

• Austria received nothing.
• The UK was the winner.
• Russia pulled out of the war ahead of time, so it did not take part in peace negotiations, maintained the status quo and once again demonstrated its military potential.
• Prussia finally secured Silesia and entered the family of the strongest countries in Europe.
• France lost almost all of its overseas territories and gained nothing in Europe.

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Seven Years' War 1756-1763 was provoked by a clash of interests of Russia, France and Austria on the one hand and Portugal, Prussia and England (in union with Hanover) on the other. Each of the states that entered the war, of course, pursued its own goals. Thus, Russia tried to increase its influence in the West.

The beginning of the war was laid by the battle of the fleets of England and France near the Balearic Islands on May 19, 1756. It ended with the victory of the French. Land operations began later - on August 28. The army under the command of the Prussian king Frederick the 2nd invaded the lands of Saxony, and later began the siege of Prague. At the same time, the French army occupied Hanover.

Russia entered the war in 1757. In August, the Russian army suffered heavy losses, but won the battle of Gross-Jägersdorf, opening the way to East Prussia. However, Field Marshal Apraksin, who commanded the troops, learned about the illness of the empress. Believing that her heir would soon take the throne, he began to withdraw troops to the Russian border. Later, announcing such actions as treason, the Empress brought Apraksin to court. Fermor took the place of the commander. In 1758, the territory was annexed to Russia East Prussia.

Further events of the seven-year war (briefly): the victories won in 1757 by the Prussian army under the command of Frederick the 2nd were brought to naught in 1769 due to the successful actions of the Russian-Austrian troops during the Battle of Kunersdorf. By 1761 Prussia was on the brink of defeat. But in 1762 Empress Elizabeth died. Peter the 3rd, who ascended the throne, was a supporter of rapprochement with Prussia. Preliminary peace talks held in the autumn of 1762 ended with the conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty on January 30, 1763. This day is officially considered the date of the end of the Seven Years' War.

The victory was won by the Anglo-Prussian coalition. Thanks to this outcome of the war, Prussia finally entered the circle of leading European powers. Russia did not gain anything as a result of this war, except for the experience of military operations. France lost Canada and most of its overseas possessions, Austria lost all rights to Silesia and the county of Galz.

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) got its name from its length in time. It was the largest conflict of the 18th century. It happened not only...

Causes and results of the Seven Years' War. Major battles of the Seven Years' War 1756-1763

By Masterweb

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) got its name from its length in time. It was the largest conflict of the 18th century. It took place not only in Europe, but also in North America, India, and the Caribbean. At one time, Churchill called it "the First World War." In history, this conflict is referred to as the third Silesian, Pomeranian, Carnatic, French-Indian, Recent War.

Causes

The main causes of the Seven Years' War were hidden behind the confrontation of world powers for colonies in North America. Military clashes there began two years before the declaration of war. England and France were the main rivals. Colonists from these countries unleashed an armed conflict. Allied Indians also took part in it. Another reason was the strengthening of Prussia in Europe. Many developed countries did not like this.

Other countries joined coalitions for their own benefit:

• Austria wanted Silesia back.
• Prussia hoped to capture Saxony.
• Sweden sought to retake Stettin and a number of other lands.
• Russia fought for East Prussia.

Countries united in coalitions. One included England, Prussia, Hanover, the other - France, Austria, Russia, Spain. This was rather unusual, since France and Austria had long fought each other for hegemony in Europe.

Opponents

The main states that participated in the Seven Years' War (opponents) and their commanders-in-chief:

• Prussia was ruled by Frederick II. He was the emperor and commander-in-chief in one person, so he did not have to report to anyone.
• England - King was George II.
• Austria - Maria Theresa was at the head of the state, Karl Alexander was appointed commander. But after the unsuccessful battle of Leuthen, he resigned, the command passed to Leopold Joseph.
• Russia - the rules in the country are Elizaveta Petrovna, the commander-in-chief was first Apraksin, he was replaced by Fermor, then Saltykov and Buturlin. They were subordinate to the St. Petersburg Conference. Later, Peter the Third became emperor.
• France - Louis XV was the emperor, the commanders succeeded each other as a result of intrigues and frequent defeats. Le Tellier was appointed first, then Richelieu, de Bourbon-Condé, Erasmus, Victor-Francois, de Rogan.

Invasion of Saxony

Officially, the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) began with the Prussian invasion of Saxony. Frederick the Second entered its territory on August 28, 1756. A couple of days later, Russia declared war on Prussia.

The 33,000-strong Austrian army came to the aid of Saxony. But she was broken. Saxony had only eighteen thousand soldiers. They could not resist the two hundred thousandth Prussian army, so they capitulated. Frederick II drove the Saxons into his army, and in vain. Throughout the war, they ran across to the enemy in battalions.

It was important for Frederick II to seize these lands in order to move fighting on the side of the enemy. He was also able to use the human and material resources of wealthy Saxony.

Major battles in Europe

During such a long period of war, many battles were fought. Main battles of the Seven Years' War:

• Under Kolin - took place on 06/18/1757. The battle lasted six hours. Austria had fifty-four thousand men, and Prussia thirty-five thousand. Frederick II was intoxicated with success, but miscalculated his strength and lost.
• Under Leithen, it happened on 12/05/1757. Thirty-two thousand soldiers marched from the Prussian side, while Austria had eighty thousand soldiers. Despite such a numerical superiority, the army under the command of Prince Charles Alexander lost.
• Under Rosbach - took place on 11/05/1757. French troops in the amount of forty-three thousand people could not invade Prussia, because they were defeated by twenty-two thousand soldiers of Frederick II.
• Zorndorf - happened on 08/25/1758. Russian forces (forty-two thousand soldiers) clashed with Frederick II (thirty-three thousand). The battle was bloody. The Russian troops lost sixteen thousand, and the Prussians eleven thousand. The fight ended in nothing.
• Kunersdorf - took place on August 12, 1759. Frederick the Second, with thirty-five thousand troops, opposed forty-one thousand Russian soldiers under the command of Semenovich. The Prussian army was defeated.
• Under Torgay, it happened on 11/03/1760. Considered the last major battle of the war. The forces of Prussia (forty-four thousand) and Austria (fifty-three thousand) clashed. The losses of both sides were colossal - sixteen thousand soldiers on each side. The victory was for Frederick II.

Having lost a significant part of his army in battles, the Prussian ruler began to protect it from bloody battles. The war continued for another three years, but everything was limited to maneuvers and marches. The main battles of the Seven Years' War were fought only in the early years.

North American Front

Events in North America began as early as 1754, when there was a skirmish at Great Meadows between colonists from England and France. At first, the French were losing ground, but united with the Indians, they were able to win the Battle of Monongahela in 1755. After a series of battles on May 17, 1756, England declares war on Louis XV.

The decisive battle took place in 1759 near Quebec. The French outnumbered the British. The difference was four thousand soldiers. However, the English subjects had the best training and won. Quebec was taken, and a year later Montreal was captured. The result of the Seven Years' War was the displacement of the French from Canada.

Asian front

In 1757, the British and French seized land from each other in Bengal and India. There was also a struggle for dominance in the Indian Ocean between the two fleets. In 1759, French ships left the Indian coast.

The ground forces of Louis XV were also not up to par. In 1760, they were defeated at Vandivash, and a year later the British achieved the capitulation of the enemy from the capital of French India. Such results of the Seven Years' War suited George II quite well.

The British conducted military operations in the Philippines in 1762 against Spain. However, they could not stay there for a long time and in 1765 completed the evacuation from the islands. The result of the Seven Years' War in the Philippines was the impetus for new anti-Spanish uprisings of the local population. However, they cannot be called successful. The Philippines remained under Spanish rule until 1898 when it was taken over by the United States.

Losses

Losses among the warring states:

• Austria - four hundred thousand soldiers;
• Prussia - about two hundred thousand;
• France - up to two hundred thousand;
• Russia - about one hundred and forty thousand;
• England - twenty thousand.

No one can name the number of killed natives of North America, India and other colonies for which the war was fought. What were the results of the Seven Years' War? Were they worth the sacrifice? Did the war resolve the contradictions between the strongest powers of Europe at that time?

Results of the Seven Years' War

Between the warring countries signed four peace treaties. Each of them had its own characteristics:

• Petersburg - already signed by Peter the Third. Under the agreement, Russia withdrew from the conflict and voluntarily transferred to Prussia its lands, which were occupied by Russian soldiers. Subsequently, these actions of Peter III became one of the reasons for the coup and accession to the throne of Catherine II.
• Hamburg - concluded between Sweden and Prussia. Peace was established on the terms of the withdrawal of Swedish troops from the occupied territories. The parties released the prisoners without ransom.
• Parisian - it was concluded by four states at once. England and Portugal negotiated with France and Spain. Louis XV refused Canada, Nova Scotia, the islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Ohio Valley. Spain received Havana from England, but conceded Florida. England received Puerto Rico, Menorca was returned to her, but she gave Martinique and Guadeloupe to France. Spain received Louisiana but pledged to withdraw troops from Portugal. France had to leave Hanover, Senegal. The state of Louis XV was allowed to fish near Newfoundland, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Hubertusburg - ended the war. Was signed between Austria, Prussia, Saxony. Maria Theresa renounced Silesia and Graudenz, and Frederick II did not demand compensation for damages. Troops were withdrawn from foreign lands, prisoners of war were released or demobilized. By secret agreement, Prussia was going to vote for the son of Maria Theresa in the election of the head of the Holy Roman Empire.

Many contemporaries were perplexed about the peace treaty between European states. So much blood was shed, and as a result, the pre-war status quo was restored. However, this is not quite true.

The Seven Years' War is one of the saddest events in Russian history. Having achieved great success on the territory of Prussia, the Emperor was replaced in Russia, who did not lay claim to the Prussian lands. It was Peter III, who idolized Frederick II.

The reason for this war (1756-1762) was the aggressive policy of Prussia, which sought to expand its borders. The reason for Russia's entry into the war was the attack of Prussia on Saxony and the capture of the cities of Dresden and Leipzig.

The seven-year war involved Russia, France, Austria, Sweden on one side, Prussia and England on the other. Russia declared war on Prussia on 1.09. 1756

During this protracted war, Russia managed to take part in several major battles, and change three commanders-in-chief of the Russian troops. It is worth noting that at the beginning of the Seven Years' War, King Frederick II of Prussia had the nickname "invincible".

Field Marshal Apraksin, the first commander in chief of the Russian army in the Seven Years' War, had been preparing the army's offensive for almost a year. He occupied the Prussian cities very slowly, the speed of the advance of the Russian troops deep into Prussia left much to be desired. Friedrich was contemptuous of the Russian army and went to fight in the Czech Republic, with his main troops.

First major battle The Seven Years' War, with the participation of the Russian army, took place near the village of Gross-Egersdorf. The Russian army consisted of 55 thousand people, who had 100 artillery guns. General Levald attacked the Russian army. The situation was threatening. The situation was corrected by a bayonet attack by several regiments of Rumyantsev. Apraksin reached the Keninsberg fortress and, standing under its walls, ordered the Russian army to retreat. Apraksin was arrested for his actions, he was charged with treason, he died during one of the interrogations.

General Fermor became the new commander of the Russian army. He moved Russian troops to Prussia, having 60 thousand people at his disposal. In the Battle of Zorndorf, the King of Prussia decided to personally defeat the Russian troops. At night, the Germans went to the rear of the Russian army and deployed artillery on the hills. The Russian army had to deploy the entire front of its attack. The battle was fierce, with varying success. As a result, having lost a lot of strength, the armies dispersed without revealing the winner.

Soon the Russian army was headed by Saltykov, one of the associates of Peter I. The commander-in-chief suggested joining the Russian army with the Austrian one and suggested moving to Berlin. The Austrians were afraid of the strengthening of Russia and refused such actions. In 1760, the corps of General Chernyshev took Berlin. Prussia suffered a major blow to its prestige.

In 1761, the Russian army again had a new commander-in-chief, Buturlin, who went with the main forces to Silesia. In the north, Rumyantsev was left to storm the fortress of Kolberg. Rumyantsevthe Russian fleet helped very actively. The future took part in the assault on Kolberg great commander Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov. Soon the fortress was taken.

In the following years, Prussia was on the brink of disaster. The Seven Years' War was to bring Russia great honors and new lands. But everything was decided by chance. Empress Elizabeth died on December 25, 1761, and Peter III, a great admirer of Frederick, ascended the throne. The Seven Years' War was stopped. Now the Russian troops had to clear Prussia of the former allies….

Believing the vows of a traitor is like believing the piety of the devil

Elizabeth 1

The fifties of the 18th century brought changes in political situation Europe. Austria lost its positions. England and France were in a state of conflict in the struggle for dominance in the Americas. The German army developed at a rapid pace and was considered invincible in Europe.

Causes of the war

By 1756, two coalitions had formed in Europe. As mentioned above, England and France determined who would dominate the American continent. The British enlisted the support of the Germans. The French won over Austria, Saxony and Russia.

The course of the war - the basis of the event

The war was started by the German king Friedrich 2. He struck at Saxony and in August 1756 completely destroyed its army. Russia, fulfilling its allied duty, sends an army led by General Apraksin to help. The Russians were given the task of capturing Koenigsberg, which was guarded by a forty-thousand-strong German army. A major battle between the Russian and German armies took place near the village of Gross-Egersdorf. On August 19, 1757, the Russians defeated the German troops, forcing them to flee. The myth of the invincibility of the German army was dispelled. The key role in this victory was played by Rumyantsev P.A., who connected the reserves in time and dealt a terrible blow to the Germans. The commander of the Russian army, Apraksin S.F., knowing that Empress Elizabeth was ill, and her heir Peter sympathized with the Germans, ordered the Russian army not to pursue the Germans. This step allowed the Germans to calmly retreat and quickly reassemble their forces.

Empress Elizabeth recovered and removed Apraksin from command of the army. Seven Years' War 1757-1762 continued. Russian army Fermor VV began to manage. Soon after his appointment, in 1757, Fermor took possession of Kenisberg. Empress Elizabeth was pleased with this conquest and in January 1578 signed a decree according to which the lands of East Prussia went to Russia.

In 1758, a new major battle took place between the Russian and German armies. It happened near the village of Zorndorf. The Germans attacked furiously, they had the advantage. Fermor shamefully fled from the battlefield, but the Russian army held out, once again inflicting defeat on the Germans.

In 1759, PS Saltykov was appointed commander of the Russian army, who in the first year inflicted a severe defeat on the Germans near Kunersdorf. After that, the Russian army continued its offensive to the west and captured Berlin in September 1760. In 1761, the large German fortress of Kolberg fell.

End of hostilities

The allied troops did not help either Russia or Prussia. Drawn into this war by France on the one hand and England on the other hand, the Russians and Germans exterminated each other while the British and French were deciding the question of their world domination.

After the fall of Kolberg, the Prussian king Frederick II was in despair. German stories write that he tried several times to abdicate. There are cases when at the same time Frederick 2 tried to commit suicide. When it seemed that the situation was hopeless, the unexpected happened. Elizabeth died in Russia. Her successor was Peter 3, married to a German princess and having a love for everything German. This emperor shamefully signed an alliance treaty with Prussia, as a result of which Russia received absolutely nothing. For seven years, the Russians shed blood in Europe, but this did not give any results for the country. The traitor emperor, as Peter 3 was called in the Russian army, saved Germany from destruction by signing the alliance. For this he paid with his life.

The treaty of alliance with Prussia was signed in 1761. After Catherine II came to power in 1762, this agreement was terminated, however, the empress did not dare to send Russian troops to Europe again.

Key events:

• 1756 - Defeat of France from England. The beginning of the war of Russia against Prussia.
• 1757 - Russian victory in the battle of Gross-Egersdorf. Prussian victory over France and Austria under Rosbach.
• 1758 - Russian troops took Koenigsberg
• 1759 - The victory of the Russian army in the battle of Kunersdorf
• 1760 - Capture of Berlin by the Russian army
• 1761 - Victory in the battle at the Kolberg fortress
• 1762 - Peace treaty between Prussia and Russia. Return to Friedrich 2 of all lands lost during the war
• 1763 - The Seven Years' War ended