The Seven Years' War was the world's first global conflict, spanning five continents and the critical sea lanes that connected them. This book is the fullest account ever written of the French navy's role in the hostilities. It is also the most complete survey of both phases of the war: the French and Indian War in North America (1754-60) and the Seven Years' War in Europe (1756-63), which are almost always treated independently. By considering both phases of the war from every angle, award-winning historian Jonathan R. Dull shows not only that the two conflicts are so interconnected that neither can be fully understood in isolation but also that traditional interpretations of the war are largely inaccurate. His work also reveals how the French navy, supposedly utterly crushed, could have figured so prominently in the War of American Independence only fifteen years later. A comprehensive work integrating diplomatic, naval, military, and political history, "The French Navy and the Seven Years' War" thoroughly explores the French perspective on the Seven Years' War. It also studies British diplomacy and war strategy as well as the roles played by the American colonies, Spain, Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, and Portugal. As this history unfolds, it becomes clear that French policy was more consistent, logical, and successful than has previously been acknowledged, and that King Louis XV's conduct of the war profoundly affected the outcome of America's subsequent Revolutionary War.
Jonathan R. Dull is a senior associate editor of The Papers of Benjamin Franklin series and author of the award-winning history The French Navy and American Independence: A Study of Arms and Diplomacy, 1774-1787.
Jonathan R. Dull is a senior associate editor of The Papers of Benjamin Franklin series and author of the award-winning history The French Navy and American Independence: A Study of Arms and Diplomacy, 1774-1787.
Table of Contents
List of maps Preface 1. 1748-1754 An Uneasy Peace The War of the Austrian Succession and the Decline of Franco-British Relations The French Navy and Its Legacy of Failure From Competition to Crisis in North America 2. 1755 Countering the British Assault Louis XV and His Council of State Negotiations Fail and Both Sides Prepare for War The Unsuccessful Attacks by Boscawen and Braddock The Naval War Widens The Question of Hanover Preparing the French Navy for War 3. 1756 Franch Takes the Offensive Victory at Minorca The Capture of Oswego Machault's Accomplishments The First Stage of the Diplomatic Revolution The Opening of Hostilities in Central Europe 4. 1757 To the Edge of Victory The King Sacrifices Machault New France Spared Disaster Deferred The Second Treaty of Versailles The Convention of Klosterzeven Rossbach, Leuthen, and Their Consequences 5. 1758 A Year of Depression Louisbourg Lost, Canada Again Spared The French Navy's Other Commitments On the Defensive in Germany The Dismissal of Bernis 6. 1759 The Annus Horribilis New Arrangements with Austria and Plans to Invade Britian The Caribbean and the Carnatic The Assault on Canada Continental War and Diplomacy Financial Crisis, Naval Disaster, and the King's Personal Loss 7. 1760 Adversity and Revival Discussions at The Hague The French Navy's Reduced Budget The End of French Canada The Revival of the French Army in Germany 8. 1761 Saving the Navy's Future Preserving the Initiative in Germany The Opening of Negotiations France Loses Peace but Gains Another Ally Spain Enters the War Choiseul Becomes Naval Minister 9. 1762 Military Failures, Diplomatic Success An Inglorious Final Campaign The Search for Peace Resumes The Best Peace Possible 10. Epilogue Toward a New War, 1763-1774 The Duc de Choiseul and the Rebuilding of the French Navy The "Secret du Roi" and the American Revolution
Appendix A: French Ships of the Line, 1 January 1744 Appendix B French Ships of the Line, 1 January 1749 Appendix C: French Ships of the Line and Frigates, 1 January 1755 Appendix D: Order of Battle, 1 June 1755
Appendix E: Order of Battle, 1 June 1756
Appendix F: Order of Battle, 1 June 1757
Appendix G: Order of Battle, 1 June 1758
Appendix H: Order of Battle, 1 June 1759
Appendix I: Order of Battle, 1 June 1760
Appendix J: Order of Battle, 1 June 1761
Appendix K: Order of Battle, 1 June 1762
Appendix L: French Ships of the Line and Frigates, 1 January 1763
