Seven Years War alliances?
The alliance reshuffling between the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War is not really as bewildering as it might seem at first glance. Let’s try and break it down into understandable pieces. [1] In both wars, the main contest in Europe was between Prussia against Austria, fighting specifically over Silesia – but indirectly for influence over Germany as a whole. Their struggle was essentially a two-round contest; with Prussia taking the Silesian prize in the first round; and Austria attempting an unsuccessful revenge comeback in the second round. There was no perplexing change of sides involving the Prussia versus Austria struggle. [2] Russia was neutral during the War of the Austrian Succession. Russia joined in the Seven Years War in an attempt to grab territory at Prussia’s expense; and due to the personal feud that Elizabeth of Russia had against Frederick the Great. As soon as Elizabeth died (January 1762), Russia withdrew from the war. [3] That leaves the appar
