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Wars and revolutions: America, France and Waterloo
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Between 1756 and 1815 Britain fought France again and again. Along the way it lost its American colonies and faced a revolution next door.
The Seven Years War, 1756 to 1763
Britain and France fought around the world. Britain won control of Canada (after victory at Quebec in 1759) and grew stronger in India.
The war was very expensive, so Britain wanted its American colonies to pay more tax.
The war was very expensive, so Britain wanted its American colonies to pay more tax.
American independence
Colonists protested that they had no representatives in Parliament, so Britain should not tax them. In the Boston Tea Party (1773) they threw tea into the harbour.
War began in 1775. The Declaration of Independence was made on 4 July 1776.
With French help, the Americans won. Britain recognised the United States in the Treaty of Paris (1783).
War began in 1775. The Declaration of Independence was made on 4 July 1776.
With French help, the Americans won. Britain recognised the United States in the Treaty of Paris (1783).
The French Revolution and Napoleon
In 1789 the French people rose against their king; on 14 July crowds stormed the Bastille prison. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793.
Britain was at war with France for most of 1793 to 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte took power and conquered much of Europe.
Admiral Nelson won the naval Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 but was killed. The Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army beat Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.
Britain was at war with France for most of 1793 to 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte took power and conquered much of Europe.
Admiral Nelson won the naval Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 but was killed. The Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army beat Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.
Explain how the Seven Years War led to the American Revolution.
- The war left Britain with large debts.
- Britain taxed the American colonies to help pay, without them having MPs.
- Colonists protested 'no taxation without representation', which grew into war in 1775.
Answer: War debts led to new taxes on the colonies, and anger at those taxes led to revolution.
Seven Years War (1756 to 1763): Britain gained Canada. Boston Tea Party 1773; Declaration of Independence 4 July 1776; USA recognised 1783. French Revolution 1789. Trafalgar 1805 (Nelson); Waterloo 1815 (Wellington).
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