The Seven Years’ War, also known as the French and Indian War in North America, was fought between 1756 and 1763, and it involved all of Europe’s great powers and many of the so-called middle powers. The war spanned five continents and divided Europe into two coalitions, one led by Great Britain and the other led by France.

By the end of the conflict, Britain would gain control over Canada and Florida, but the war would nearly bankrupt the country as it doubled its national debt. Still, the war marked the beginning of the era of British dominance in North America. France would meanwhile lose all possessions east of the Mississippi River, with the exception of two small islands off Newfoundland. The war also had profound consequences for indigenous groups in North America.

This book tells the story of the little-known but consequential conflict known as the Seven Years’ War.