Seven Years' War

War in North America 1756-63 arising from the conflict between Austria and Prussia, and between France and Britain over colonial supremacy. Britain and Prussia defeated France, Austria, Spain, and Russia; Britain gained control of India and many of France's colonies, including Canada. The fighting between France and Britain in North American was known as the French and Indian War.

Spain ceded Florida to Britain in exchange for Cuba. Fighting against great odds, Prussia was eventually successful in becoming established as one of the great European powers. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris, 1763, signed by Britain, France, and Spain.

Britain gained all of Canada, America east of the Mississippi Valley, Florida, and several islands in the Caribbean. The revenue-generating measures used in the colonies to finance the administration of these new territories helped to cause the American Revolution.