THE RIVALRY BETWEEN

BRITAIN AND FRANCE IN THE 18TH CENTURY

By: Kayla Pickell

Period 6

2007 FRQ

Britain and France were engaged in a geopolitical and economic rivalry during the 18th Century. Identify the factors that contributed to this rivalry, and assess the

results for both countries over the period 1689 to 1789

Both countries were flourishing in overseas trade and both striving to become the dominant force.

The war of Spanish Succession after the glorious revolution

The War of Austrian Succession The seven years war along with the different

views in how to run a government resulted in the controversies over land and trade.

Britain and France were on opposite sides of the Christian Faith: Britain was protestant(Anglican) and France was Catholic.

During the 18th century, there were many geopolitical and economic issues causing a conflict between Britain and France.

From 1701-1714 War fought primarily to save the balance

of powers in Europe by keeping Spain and France divided.

France and Spain were among the most powerful states of Europe, such a unification would have drastically altered the European balance of power

War ended with the Peace of Utrecht

WAR OF SPANISH SUCCESSION

WAR OF AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION

Was a struggle over the legitimacy of the accession of Maria Theresa to the Austrian throne, began in 1740, but at first did not involve either Britain or Spain militarily. Britain was drawn diplomatically into that conflict in 1742 as an ally of Austria and an opponent of France and Prussia, but open hostilities between them did not take place until 1743 at Dettingen, and war was only formally declared between France and Britain in March 1744.

SEVEN YEARS WAR From 1756 through 1763 Was the war fought in North America for

control over Canada In the new world, England and France

were both looking for ways to expand their colonies beyond the opponent's so that they'd become stronger economically, and then the most powerful nation.

RESULTS OF THE SEVEN YEARS WAR Ended with the Treaty of Paris signed by

Great Britain, France, and Spain. Britain gained Canada along with all the

French Territory east of the Mississippi River

France also gave Louisiana to Spain as compensation for their loss of Florida to Britain

This marked the beginning of an extensive period of British dominance outside of Europe.

EFFECTS France gave up all of its land of India, which

opened up Britain dominance Britain became a leader of the industrial

revolution and held many valuable colonies including south Africa and India. Gaining control of lands in India allowed them to gain control of the north American fur trade.

Led to the French Revolution

FRENCH REVOLUTION Was a period of social and political upheaval France was in the midst of an economic crisis,

taxes were to high and bread could no longer be found at a price that the peasants could afford.

The absolute Monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years.

French society underwent an epic transformation as feudal , aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated

Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy (of monarchy, aristocracy and religious authority) were abruptly overthrown by new Enlightenment principles of equality, citizenship, and inalienable rights .

1689- Glorious Revolution1701-1714- War of Spanish

Succession 1740-1748- War of Austrian

Succession1756-1763- Seven Years’ War1789- French Revolution