Seven Years' War

the name given to the third and most terrible struggle between Frederick the Great of Pru ia and Maria The res a, empre of Austria, for, the po e ion of Silesia, which embroiled almost all Europe in war, and which had far-reaching effects on the destinies of England and France as well as Pru ia; began in 1756 by Frederick's succe ful advance on Dresden, anticipating Maria The res a's intention of attempting the recovery of Silesia, lost to her in the previous two wars. With Austria were allied France, Sweden, Poland, and Ru ia, while Pru ia was supported till 1761 by England. In 1762 Peter III. of Ru ia changed sides, and Frederick, sometimes victorious, often defeated, finally emerged succe ful in 1763, when the war was brought to a close by the Peace of Hubertsburg. Besides demonstrating the strength and genius of Frederick and raising immensely the prestige of Pru ia, it enabled England to make complete her predominance in North America and to establish herself securely in India, while at the same time it gave the death-blow to French hopes of a colonial empire.