The French Navy and the Seven Years' War (France Overseas: Studies in Empire and Decolonization)

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. (20060301) 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.--jacket. 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: France 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, Leuthe, And Their Consequences -- 5. 1758: A Year Of Desperation -- 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 Britain -- 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 -- Discussion 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. 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. Jonathan R. Dull. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [383]-424) And Index. Contents......Page 8 Maps......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 1748-1754 An Uneasy Peace......Page 24 1755 Countering the British Assault......Page 43 1756 France Takes the Offensive......Page 73 1757 To the Edge of Victory......Page 98 1758 A Year of Desperation......Page 128 1759 The Annus Horribilis......Page 154 1760 Adversity and Revival......Page 187 1761 Saving the Navy’s Future......Page 210 1762 Military Failures, Diplomatic Success......Page 241 Epilogue......Page 268 Appendix A......Page 280 Appendix B......Page 281 Appendix C......Page 282 Appendix D......Page 284 Appendix E......Page 286 Appendix F......Page 289 Appendix G......Page 292 Appendix H......Page 295 Appendix I......Page 298 Appendix J......Page 301 Appendix K......Page 304 Appendix L......Page 308 Notes......Page 310 Bibliography......Page 406 Index......Page 448