Seven Years' War

The Seven Years' War, lasting from 1756 to 1763, was the first global war fought by the European great powers, and although primarily fought in Europe, there was also significant fronts in North America and the Indian subcontinent. The primary factions were Great Britain and Prussia against France and Austria, with various states joining either side including: Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Russia, and various states of the Holy Roman Empire. The conflict included several wars within it such as: the Third Silesian War, French and Indian War, Third Carnatic War, Anglo-Spanish War (1762–1763), and Spanish–Portuguese War.

The war ended in a decisive victory for the Anglo-Prussian coalition and dramatically changed the balance of Europe in favour of Prussia in Central Europe and Britain in naval power. Although little territorial changes occurred in Europe the positions of Austria and France were weakened nonetheless, and the war had massive impacts on the British, French and Spanish colonial empires. France lost all of holdings in mainland North America, with all land east of the Mississippi River going to Britain and land to the west going to Spain, along with some Caribbean islands and Indian territory, while Spain lost Florida to Britain.