The French Navy and the Seven Years’ War/Французский флот и Семилетняя война

Издание на английском языке
The book examines the role of the French Navy in the Seven Years’ War and places its operations within the wider political, diplomatic, and military struggle between France and Great Britain. It follows the conflict from the uneasy peace after the War of the Austrian Succession through the campaigns in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and India, analyzing French naval strategy, shipbuilding, manpower, finance, colonial defense, and relations with France’s allies. Particular attention is given to the defense and loss of Canada, the campaigns for Louisbourg and Minorca, the naval disasters of 1759, and the efforts to preserve and rebuild French sea power after the war. The book includes maps, detailed notes, bibliography, and appendices listing French ships and orders of battle.

Contents
List of Maps
Preface
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, Leuthen, 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
Discussions 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. Epilogue 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
Appendix A: French Ships of the Line, i January 1744 Appendix B: French Ships of the Line, 1 January 1749 Appendix C: French Ships of the Line and Frigates, 1 January 1755
Appendix D: Order of Battle, 1 June 1755
Appendix E: Order of Battle, 1 June 1756
Appendix F: Order of Battle, 1 June 1757
Appendix G: Order of Battle, 1 June 1758
Appendix H: Order of Battle, 1 June 1759
Appendix I: Order of Battle, 1 June 1760
Appendix J: Order of Battle, 1 June 1761
Appendix K: Order of Battle, 1 June 1762
Appendix L: French Ships of the Line and Frigates, 1 January 1763
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Maps
1. North America
2. Europe
3. Central Europe
4. The Caribbean
5. India