Seven Years' War

The seven-year war of 1756-1763 is considered one of the largest military conflicts in the New Times. It took place both in Europe and overseas: in the states of the Caribbean, North America, the Philippines, and India. In this conflict, participated all the great countries of Europe, most of the small and middle European states, some Indian tribes. Winston Churchill called the Seven Years' War "First World War." It is also called the colonial one, due to the fact that in the conflict there was a clash of colonial interests of Spain, France, Great Britain.

In Europe, the main opposition was due to Silesia between Prussia and Austria, which the latter lost in previous battles.

The seven-year war, whose causes were largely connected with the Anglo-French colonial rivalry in North America, began long before its official announcement. The conflict marked the beginning of the violation of the system of military and political alliances in Europe. Thus, the war officially declared by Great Britain in 1756 caused the international reorientation of some European states.

However, a third force soon appeared. In Prussia Friedrich II came to power. Since then, this state began to claim the role of the leading power in European politics.

The strengthening of Prussia at the expense of the Silesia taken away from Austria in Russia was perceived as a danger to its western borders and interests in the north of Europe and in the Baltics. The participation of the Russians in the war in many respects was determined by the allied treaty with Austria.

Frederick II, without waiting for his opponents to take any action, in 1756, August 28, suddenly invaded Saxony, allied with Austria, and occupied it. The beginning of 1757 was marked by the entry of the Prussian army into Bohemia. May 6, the Austrians were defeated in Prague. Friedrich after this victory was going to move without delay to Vienna, but his plans were prevented by the Austrian army. In 1757, on June 18, the Austrians, under the command of L. Daun, inflicted a heavy defeat on the Prussians, thus dispelling the established myth of their invincibility. In connection with the failure in the battle, Frederick II was forced to leave besieged Prague and return to Saxony.

In 1757, in October, Hadik's flying squad captures Berlin (the capital of Prussia) for a short time. Defending the city and taking away the threat from the country, Frederick II moves his army to Silesia. The Prussians defeated the Austrians at Leiten on December 5. Thus, a "fighting draw" was achieved.

The participation of Russia in the Seven Years' War began in the summer of 1757. The Russian army was commanded by Apraksin. For the state, the Seven Years' War was successful. Thus, during the military operations with the support of the Baltic Fleet, Fermor Corps took Memel, the clash of the main forces of the Russian army with the Prussians at Gross-Jägersdorf ended in the defeat of Friedrich.

In 1759, on August 12, the Prussian army was defeated in the Battle of Kunersdorf. This and other defeats forced Frederick II to apply to England for the creation of a peaceful congress. However, the proposal was never implemented due to the irreconcilable position of Austria and Russia. These two powers expected to use the victories of 1759 in the subsequent campaign to inflict the final blow to Prussia.

Thus, the hostilities continued.

1761 was not marked by any significant battles. At this time, the Seven Years' War was mostly maneuvered.

At the same time, Friedrich himself and all of Europe do not believe that Prussia can avoid defeat. It was clear that the resources of a small state are incommensurable with the strength of opponents.

While Friedrich is beginning to look for ways to start peace talks, Elizaveta Petrovna dies in Russia . Instead, the throne is occupied by Peter 3. Being a longtime admirer of Frederick, the Russian emperor signs the Petersburg peace with him, refusing voluntarily from all conquests. This act of Peter 3 and all his policies caused great outrage in Russian society. The emperor lost popularity and, in the end, was deposed.

The seven-year war ended as a result of the exhaustion of the warring parties in 1763.