ench and Indian Wars. The Seven Years' War of gurred during which years? Who was fighting? __ Why were they fighting? There were a few big battles during which key

The Seven Years' War occurred between **1756 and 1763**. While it's called the Seven Years' War in Europe and North America, it's important to note that fighting had already begun in North America in 1754, which is often referred to as the French and Indian War.**Who was fighting?**The main combatants were:* **Great Britain and its allies:** This included Prussia, Hanover, and Portugal, along with their colonies and, crucially in North America, Native American allies like the Iroquois Confederacy (though some Iroquois nations sided with the French).* **France and its allies:** This included Austria, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Saxony, along with their colonies and Native American allies such as the Algonquin, Lenape, Wabanaki Confederacy, and many others.**Why were they fighting?**The causes were complex and intertwined, varying by region:* **North America (French and Indian War):** The primary conflict was over territorial control of the Ohio River Valley and other disputed lands. Both Britain and France claimed these resource-rich areas, and their colonial expansion led to increasing tensions and skirmishes. Fur trade was another significant economic factor driving the conflict.* **Europe:** Long-standing rivalries between Great Britain and France, as well as Austria and Prussia, fueled the war. Issues of power, influence, and colonial possessions were central to the conflict. Prussia, for example, sought to expand its territory, while Austria wanted to regain Silesia, lost to Prussia in a previous war.**Key Battles:**Several key battles shaped the course of the Seven Years' War, including:* **Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759):** A decisive British victory in North America that led to the fall of Quebec City and ultimately the conquest of New France.* **Battle of Rossbach (1757):** A major Prussian victory against a combined French and Imperial army, demonstrating Prussia's military prowess.* **Battle of Leuthen (1757):** Another significant Prussian victory against Austria, further solidifying Prussia's position.* **Battle of Minden (1759):** A British-led victory against the French in Germany.These battles, along with many others, contributed to the significant territorial changes and shifts in global power that resulted from the Seven Years' War. Great Britain emerged as a dominant colonial power, while Prussia solidified its position as a major force in Europe.