The Kingdom of Great Britain was one of the leading participants in the Seven Years War which lasted between 1754 and 1763. Britain emerged from the war as the world's leading colonial power having gained a number of new territories at the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and established itself as the pre-eminent naval power at sea. The war started poorly for Britain, suffering several defeats to France in North America during 1754-55 and losing Minorca in 1756. The same year Britain's major ally Austria switched sides and aligned itself with France and Britain was hastily forced to conclude a new alliance with Frederick the Great's Prussia. For the next seven years these two nations were ranged against a growing number of enemy powers led by France. After a period of political instability, the rise of a government headed by the Duke of Newcastle and William Pitt provided Britain with firmer leadership allowing it to consolidate and achieve its war aims. In 1759 Britain enjoyed an Annus Mirabilis with success over the French in Canada, America, Germany and India. In 1761 Britain also came into conflict with Spain. The following year they captured Havana and Manila, the western and eastern capitals of the Spanish Empire and repulsed a Spanish invasion of Portugal. By this time the Pitt-Newcastle Ministry had collapsed, Britain was short of credit and the generous peace terms offered by France and its allies were accepted.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... _Years_War View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Wars • America • Austria • Canada • Cuba • France • Germany • Great Britain • India • Industrial Revolution • Philippines • Portugal • Spain • War • All Events • 18th Century