1700 – 1763
This period saw Portuguese and Spanish influence decline whilst Britain and France struggled for supremacy in India, the Caribbean and North America. In 1763 the Treaty of Paris marked the French loss of Canada to the British.
Spain
In South America the Spanish pushed south from Caracas crossing the Oronoco into New Granada and also further into Peru and the Rio de la Plata. Expansion also continued through Mexico into Texas, the Mississippi valley, California and to Florida.
Portugal
The Portuguese continued expansion into South America moving West along the Amazon and pushing inland from Recife and Rio de Janerio.
The Netherlands
In Southern Africa the Dutch East India Company held the Cape Colony throughout the period 1700-63 and only lost control after the Dutch were defeated by Napoleon in 1795. The company also maintained its influence in the Far East and expanded its influence in Java [not shown].
France
England
British expansion in North America continued in 1713 with the Treaty of Utrecht which gave them Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In 1754 war broke out between French and British colonists in North America. British victories led to the fall of Quebec, Ville Marie and then Montreal. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 gave the British control of Canada.
Rivalry also existed in India where the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century provided opportunities for European powers. Both the French and British sought to make trading arrangements with independent Indian princes. The victory of Clive at the Battle of Plassey in 1757 gave the British a crucial advantage in cementing their influence in India.
Russia
In the east the Russians gained control of Kamchatka and also staked a claim in North America in Alaska, coming into conflict with the Spanish as they moved south along the west coast. Expansion also continued closer to home with Peter the Great taking Estonia and Livonia from Sweden in 1721.
Events
Catholic Events
| 1. | 1704 Rome | Pope Clement IX rules against Chinese Rites |
Orthodox Events
| 2. | 1721 Moscow | Peter the Great abolishes Moscow Synod |
| 3. | 1760 Greece | Kosmas the Aetolian first missionary journey |
Protestant Events
| 4. | 1722 Saxony | Count Zinzendorf founds Moravian community at Herrnhut |
| 5. | 1743 Massachusettes | David Brainerd begins preaching to Amerindians |
Revival Events
| 6. | 1726 New England | First Great Awakening |
| 7. | 1739 Britain | John Wesley begins field preaching |