The Balance of Power
This term describes the idea that no single nation should dominate Europe.
What is balance of power?
The war began when this monarch’s death left no direct heir.
Who was Charles II of Spain?
This war began when Maria Theresa’s right to inherit the throne was challenged.
What is the War of Austrian Succession?
This war is often referred to as the first "world war" due to its global scale.
What is the Seven Years’ War?
This diplomatic revolution reversed traditional alliances before the Seven Years’ War.
What is the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756?
This English political leader advocated for a stable European balance through alliances.
Who was William Pitt the Elder?
This country fought to prevent a Bourbon alliance between France and Spain.
What is England (later Britain)?
This Prussian king seized Silesia from Austria.
Who was Frederick the Great?
In Europe, the war was primarily fought between these two rival powers.
Who are Prussia and Austria?
Austria’s new ally in that revolution shocked Europe.
Who was France?
The balance of power system aimed to prevent this from happening again, as it nearly did under Louis XIV.
What is European domination by one monarch or state?
This Austrian archduke was the other major claimant to the Spanish throne.
Who was Charles of Austria?
Britain supported Austria primarily to block the influence of this rival nation.
What is France?
Britain’s victory in this region made it the dominant colonial power.
What is North America?
This Enlightenment-inspired monarch ruled Prussia during much of this period.
Who was Frederick the Great?
This 1713 treaty ended the War of the Spanish Succession and redefined the balance of power.
What is the Treaty of Utrecht?
The war concluded with this Bourbon prince allowed to keep the Spanish throne but forbidden to unite with France.
Who was Philip V?
This 1748 treaty ended the conflict but left Silesia in Prussian hands.
What is the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle?
This 1763 treaty officially ended the war.
What is the Treaty of Paris?
Britain’s alliance with this country solidified its dominance at sea.
What is Portugal?
By the mid-18th century, these two nations emerged as the primary rivals for global influence.
Who are Britain and France?
The war demonstrated this long-term diplomatic principle that would shape Europe for the next century.
What is collective security through alliances?
The war’s outcome laid the foundation for this future major global conflict.
What is the Seven Years’ War?
This concept describes Britain’s naval and economic dominance after the war.
What is imperial supremacy or global hegemony?
The shifting alliances of the 18th century laid the groundwork for this later continental conflict.
What is the Napoleonic Wars?