<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> <P> The last major conflict in Europe, the War of the Austrian Succession, had ended in 1748 with the Treaty of Aix - la - Chapelle, following a bloody war which had left large parts of Central Europe devastated . The peace terms were unpopular with many, however, as they largely retained the status quo--which led the people of states such as France, Britain and Austria to believe they had not made sufficient gains for their efforts in the war . By the early 1750s many saw another major war as imminent, and Austria was preparing its forces for an attempt to retake Silesia from Prussia . </P> <P> The British Prime Minister, the Duke of Newcastle, had acceded to the premiership in 1754 following the sudden death of his brother Henry Pelham, and led a government made up largely of Whigs . Newcastle had thirty years' experience as a Secretary of State and was a leading figure on the diplomatic scene . Despite enjoying a comfortable majority in the House of Commons he was extremely cautious and vulnerable to attacks led by men such as William Pitt, leader of the Patriot Party . Newcastle fervently believed that peace in Europe was possible so long as the "Old System" and the alliance with Austria prevailed and devoted much of his efforts to the continuance of this . </P>

Which of the following was a british advantage during the war