<P> Great Britain was one of the major participants in the Seven Years' War which lasted between 1754 and 1763 . Britain emerged from the war as the world's leading colonial power, having gained a number of new territories at the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and established itself as the world's pre-eminent naval power . </P> <P> The war started poorly for Britain, which suffered many deaths from the plague and scurvy, and at the hands of France in North America during 1754--55; and in the loss of Menorca in 1756 . The same year Britain's major ally Austria switched sides and aligned itself with France; and Britain was hastily forced to conclude a new alliance with Frederick the Great's Prussia . For the next seven years these two nations were ranged against a growing number of enemy powers led by France . After a period of political instability, the rise of a government headed by the Duke of Newcastle and William Pitt the elder provided Britain with firmer leadership, enabling it to consolidate and achieve its war aims . </P> <P> In 1759 Britain enjoyed an Annus Mirabilis with success over the French on the continent (Germany), in North America (capturing the capital of New France), and in India . In 1761 Britain also came into conflict with Spain . The following year British forces captured Havana and Manila, the western and eastern capitals of the Spanish Empire, and repulsed a Spanish invasion of Portugal . By this time the Pitt - Newcastle ministry had collapsed, Britain was short of credit and the generous peace terms offered by France and its allies were accepted . </P> <P> Through the crown, Britain was allied to the Electorate of Hanover and Kingdom of Ireland, both of which effectively fell under British military command throughout the war . It also directed the military strategy of its various colonies around the world including British America . In India British possessions were administered by the East India Company . </P>

How important were alliances with first nations to great britain and france