Excerpts from Books and Wikipedia
"In 1756 a powerful coalition, consisting of Austria, Russia, France, Sweden, and Saxony, was formed with the aim of destroying the growing power of Frederick the Great of Prussia." [DK Timelines, p. 296] "Although Anglo-French skirmishes over their American colonies had begun with what became the French and Indian War in 1754, the large-scale conflict that drew in most of the European powers was centered on Austria's desire to recover Silesia from the Prussians. Seeing the opportunity to curtail Britain's and Prussia's ever-growing might, France and Austria put aside their ancient rivalry to form a grand coalition of their own, bringing most of the other European powers to their side." [Wikipedia] Also called the French and Indian War (1756-1763): Prussia, Great Britain, and Hanover against France, Russia, Austria, Saxony, and Sweden about land claims in colonies and Austria; Called "the first global conflict"; "The major nations of Europe waged war not just on the European continent itself, but also, for Britain and France, in their colonial possessions overseas in the Americas and Asia. The Seven Years War was the first approximation of a world war, and gave birth to a new, truly global empire." [Hart-Davis: DK History, p. 296-7] "It was France that had been damaged most by the war. By seeking to wage war simultaneously at sea, in the colonies and on the continent, France was defeated in all three theatres." [Blanning: Pursuit of Glory, p. 587]