User:Lord Cornwallis/Prussia in the Seven Years War
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The Kingdom of Prussia was one of the major participants of the Seven Years War who were actively involved from the formal declaration of war in 1756 until the Peace treaties that ended the war in 1763. During that time the Prussians faced a coallition of states which included Austria, France, Russia, Sweden and Saxony.
Having tried to avoid war breaking out, the Prussians struck pre-emtively by invading Saxony in 1756 when they realised that war with Austria was inevitable. This triggered the outbreak of war in Continental Europe, which became merged to a colonial struggle that had broken out in 1754 between France and Britain (to whom the Prussians were bound by the Convention of Westminster). Britain became a vital source of financial subsidies during the war, helping to keep Prussia afloat. While Britain fought a global war, Prussia's operations were confined entirely to Central and Northern Europe.
Several times Prussia was pulled back from the brink of defeat by a prominent battlefield victory.
Despite seven years of fighting, Prussia ultimately made no gains in the conflict which ended with a return to the pre-war status quo. The war was brought to an end by the Treaty of Hubertsburg.