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Treaty of Aix-La-Chappel
This treaty ends the Austrian War of Succession. The treaty allowed Prussia to keep Silesia, which they stole from Austria. -
Prussia invades Saxony
Anticipating Austria’s attack on Russia, Frederick the Great of Prussia invades Saxony and occupies the capital, Dresden, beginning the European campaign of the Seven Years’ War. (The German region of Saxony bordered Silesia on the east.) -
Britain Enters the War
Great Britain enters the war on the side of Prussia, which gives Prussia financial support and helping them defeat the French at Krefeld. Most of Britain’s participation in the war takes place overseas, focusing on attacking French colonies in North America and India. In what becomes known as the French and Indian War, Britain invades French Canada. In Europe, Austrians force Prussia to retreat from Saxony into Silesia. -
Austria, France, Sweden, and Russia join the fighting
Prussia faces war on multiple fronts: The French conquer Hanover (in the northwestern part of Germany) from the west, Sweden attacks Prussian Pomerania from the north, a Russian Army attacks East Prussia, and Austria moves to reclaim Silesia. Prussia is forced out of Bohemia. -
1759 Prussia loses Dresden
Prussia attacks unified Russian and Austrian forces at Kunersdorf. Prussia suffers a disastrous defeat, losing 18,000 men and the city of Dresden. -
1760 Prussia weakens and Great Britain defeats France
Fighting begins in Silesia between Prussia and Austria. Although Prussia has a few small victories, war on multiple fronts exhausts his resources. In south India, French and British armies face off at Wandiwash. The British win. In North America, the British defeat France at the Plains of Abraham, a region of Quebec along the St. Lawrence River. -
1761 More British victories
In India, the British capture Pondicherry, ending France’s influence in South Asia. In North America, the British focus on claiming the St. Lawrence River around Quebec and the Ohio River Valley. -
Russia promotes peace
The tide turns for Frederick after the death of the Russian empress Elizabeth. Her successor, Peter III, makes peace with Prussia and negotiates peace between Sweden and Prussia. With the help of Russia, Frederick drives Austria out of Silesia. Within months, Peter is assassinated. His successor, Catherine the Great, chooses not to pursue hostilities against Prussia. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain and France sign the Treaty of Paris. This gives Britain control over India and North America east of Mississippi River. The Treaty of Hubertusburg ends European war between Prussia and Austria. The treaty maintains Prussia’s control of Silesia and establishes Prussia as a major continental power.
