1. Alliances, War and Colonialism Politicks: Arbitrary Alliances, Squabbling Super-Powers and Growing Globalism

2. Prussia Ruled By: House of Hohenzollern Rise: – Fredrick William built 80,000 man standing army – Permanent Taxation – Absolute monarchy, weakened nobles’ power – Nobles were the only Army officers (Junkers)

3. Prussia Fredrick The Great: Still Brutal Paternalism = Father/King “As the sovereign is properly the head of a family of citizens, the father of his people, he ought on all occasions to be the last refuge of the unfortunate”

4. War of Austrian Succession Silesia: Iron Ore/Textiles and other economic goods. Fred The Great: Did not believe that Maria would protect Silesia because she was a woman. Maria Theresa: Pleaded with Great Britain and Hungarian nobles for aid against Prussia. Alliances: Prussia/France and Austria/England Austria/Great Britain held land for 8 years Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: 1748, Austria lost Silesia

5. New Alliances & The 7 Years War Austria and France: Theresa no longer saw France as an opponent, formed alliance with France, HUGE diplomatic revolution. Russia: In league with Austria/France, Russia begins to play a role in European affairs. Great Britain and Prussia: Allied against Austria/France/Russia Fredrick’s Assault: Prussia’s attack on the small country of Saxony thrust the entire continent (and colonies) into war.

6. Effects of the 7 Years War Europe War Lasts until 1763 No real territory change Colonies Struggle for colonial supremacy France loses North America/India/Caribbean Future British victories set stage for 1800’s Increasing value of foreign territory