<P> 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 . Faced with this sudden turn of events , Britain aligned itself with Prussia , in a series of political manoeuvres known as the Diplomatic Revolution . However , French efforts ended in failure when the Anglo - Prussian coalition prevailed , and Britain 's rise as among the world 's predominant powers destroyed France 's supremacy in Europe , thus altering the European balance of power . </P>
<P> 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 . Faced with this sudden turn of events , Britain aligned itself with Prussia , in a series of political manoeuvres known as the Diplomatic Revolution . However , French efforts ended in failure when the Anglo - Prussian coalition prevailed , and Britain 's rise as among the world 's predominant powers destroyed France 's supremacy in Europe , thus altering the European balance of power . </P>
which country was the dominant power in europe following the seven years ' war
which country was the dominant power in europe following the seven years ' war
Britain
Britain