Diplomacy and War

Commercial competition led to war in the18th century England vs. France Austria vs. Prussia Two rivalries stood at the center of diplomacy and war in the middle of the century

Louis XV and Cardinal Fleury Louis XV became king of France at the age of 5 For years, France was ruled as a regency The Parlement of Paris claimed the power to assent to legislation and taxes

Making matters workse was the attitude and habits of Louis XV The landed and commercial classes both increased their power in France between 1715 and 1789 Government debt led to an unintended crisis in public finance France lagged behind in the development of credit institutions and the ability to borrow money

Great Britain Britain developed a unique form of government known as the “King in Parliament” Worked through Parliament and a Prime Minister to pass legislation and govern

Without an heir, England turned to the German Hanoverian dynasty The dynasty was able to establish a functioning government system by relying on a prime minister and cabinet system Major reason for Britain’s commercial success was the close relationship between government finance and private enterprise

Under the leadership of the prime minister, Britain was able to continue the development of its public finance Development of Britain’s cabinet system of government was due to Robert Walpole Appointed ministers to head up government agencies

He selected commercial-orientated Whigs personally loyal to him Notion of the cabinet as a group bound to each other with a common goal Walpole to advance Britain’s commercial interests abroad while avoiding war

18th c. Warfare War was waged between highly trained professional armies for specific strategic objectives Soldiers were drawn from the underclass and less productive groups in society Aristocracy made up the officers

Warfare became a game of movement and securing supply lines Infantry played a major role in war

The War of Austrian Succession Began with an attack by Frederick II on Austria Other nations rushed in to claim territorial prizes The French joined the assault in an alliance with Prussia Britain sided with Austria

Frederick proved to be a military genius, and sought the resource rich province of Silesia Though Maria Theresa lost Silesia, she was, by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, able to hold most of her other possessions

War of Austrian Succession highlighted two issues France sat in an unfavorable strategic position Austria and Prussia coexisted as two relatively even powers in Germany

Reforms of Maria Theresa Began a series of reforms in 1748 Centralized the collection of taxes and combined administrative offices Army tripled in size Schools were founded

Promoted primary education Promoted a smallpox vaccine Outlawed torture and capital punishment Eased the burdens of serfdom Primary goal was to recapture Silesia Convinced France to ally with Austria, which Russia also joined Forced Britain to side with Prussia

The Seven Years War Prussia was outnumbered 10 to 1 Frederick fought brilliantly Britain provided primarily financial support Frederick was aided by the disorganization of his opponents Frederick was able to hold onto Silesia

Fighting between Britain and France was more decisive Britain won victories on land and sea in North America, the Caribbean and India France found itself depleted G.B. secured sole access to North America east of the Mississippi River and gained dominant position in India

Major events on 3 continents North America – colonists were free of the French threat but the British were determined to make them pay the costs of the empire Europe – confirmed dualism of Prussia and Austria – set stage for French Revolution

Asia – Britain oversaw the dissolution of the ruling Indian empire and established a strong colonial presence