-
Frederick II (Frederick the great)
Frederick the great started ruling Prussia on 1740, was one of the best educated monarchs of the time.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
Maria Theresa
Empress Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 she worked to centralize and strengthen the state.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
The start of the seven years of war
The stage was set for the Seven Years' War when, in 1740, a major war broke out over the succession to the Austrian throne.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education. -
The War of the Austrian Succession
(1740–1748) was fought in three areas of the world. In Europe, Prussia seized Silesia while France occupied some Austrian territory. In Asia, France took Madras (today called Chennai) in India from the British. In North America, the British captured the French fortress of Louisbourg at the entrance of the St. Lawrence River.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
The Treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle
By 1748, all parties were exhausted and agreed to the Treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle. The treaty guaranteed the return of all occupied territories but Silesia to their original owners.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
The Diplomatic Revolution
This diplomatic revolution of 1756 led to another worldwide war. The war had three major areas of conflict: Europe, India, and North America.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
British Victories
In 1759 British forces under General Wolfe defeated the French under General Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham, outside Quebec. Both generals died in the battle. The British went on to seize Montreal, the Great Lakes area, and the Ohio River valley. The French were forced to make peace.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
Catherine II (Catherine the Great)
Catherine the Great ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796. She was an intelligent woman who was familiar with the works of the philosophes and seemed to favor enlightened reforms. Catherine did nothing because she knew that her success depended on the support of the Russian nobility.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
The European War End
The European war ended in 1763, all occupied territories were returned to their original owners, except Silesia. Austria officially recognized Prussia's permanent control of Silesia.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education -
Great Britain
By 1763, Great Britain had become the world's greatest colonial power.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "Enlightened Absolutism and the Balance of Power" McGraw-Hill Education
