{i} (1756-1763) war between several European countries and result of two primary conflicts (England vs. France over control of North America, and between Austria vs. Prussia over control of Germany)
a war fought in Europe, North America, and India between 1756 and 1763. The war was about French and English colonies, and also Austria and Prussia wanting to control Europe. As a result of the war, France lost most of its land in India and the US to Britain, and Prussia became a leading European power under Frederick II. (1756-63) Major European conflict between Austria and its allies France, Saxony, Sweden, and Russia on one side against Prussia and its allies Hanover and Britain on the other. The war arose out of Austria's attempt to win back the rich province of Silesia, taken by Prussia in the War of the Austrian Succession. Early victories by Frederick II the Great in Saxony and Bohemia (1756-58) were offset by a decisive Prussian defeat by Austria and Russia near Frankfurt (1759). After inconclusive fighting in 1760-61, Frederick concluded a peace with Russia (1762) and drove the Austrians from Silesia. The war also involved the overseas colonial struggles between Britain and France in North America (see French and Indian War) and in India. The European conflict was settled with the Treaty of Hubertusburg, by which Frederick confirmed Prussia's stature as a major European power