In 1700, the world as we knew it.. changed. In 1700, British Sailor James Carr discovered the land Australia. This came as a joy to Britain, and many were leaving for Australia, and later, the East Indies. The East Indies and India became a source of conflict for Europe.
In 1723, King William III of the Netherlands, King Otto of Prussia, and Queen Maria of France signed an alliance. Fearing for the worst, King George II signed an alliance with the New Italian Republic, and King Alexander of Austria Hungry. While it only lasted for two years, it brought in 7 nations for Britain: Sweden, Poland, Greece, Israel, Saudia Arabia, The German Confederacy, and Portugal. It brought 3 nations for France: Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Spain,. In the end, the French Coalition defeated the British Axis. Peace was harsh and generous. Portugal was given land in exchange for pledging $1,000,000 Franks to France, and joining the French Coalition. Spain got Belize City and Gibraltar (Which Britain got back 2 months later), Austria got to keep her empire, Russia annexed Sweden, and Germany was united. However, Sweden, Poland, Greece, Israel, Saudia Arabia lost their Independence at the end of the war, and Italy lost half her land.
In 1741, the 30 year war began as a result for French Warships attacking Ireland. France looked to her alliance for help, but found that Britain had them in their clutches.
The French made minor gains in the first part of the war, but when Louisiana and Canada surrendered in the 1760’s, France surrendered a few years later in 1772.
Britain was busy fighting America in the revolution, and most nations were putting down rebellion, France’s Revolution was in full sway. While it started in 1775, it lasted 35 years, until Napoleon stepped up to rule France. Now, even in rebuilding, France is plotting her new Empire, but where? Australia? India? China? America? Or even…Europe?? Only time will tell….