# Seven Years’ War begins (1756)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1756-seven-years-war-begins
Location: Europe and colonies
Categories: battle, main-event

France fought Britain and its allies in a global conflict across Europe, North America, India and the seas. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XV (King of France). Seven Years’ War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Seven Years’ War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Seven Years’ War begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Seven+Years%E2%80%99+War+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Seven Years’ War begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Seven+Years%E2%80%99+War+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)