<P> By this point the war in North America had reached a stalemate, with France broadly holding the territorial advantage . It held possession of the disputed Ohio territory but lacked the strength to launch an attack on the more populous British coastal colonies . </P> <P> One of the most significant geopolitical actions of the time was the slow movement towards Imperial unity in North America started by the Albany Congress, although a Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin was rejected by delegates . </P> <P> Britain had been allied to Austria since 1731, and the co-operation between the two states had peaked during the War of the Austrian Succession when Maria Theresa had been able to retain her throne with British assistance . Since then the relationship had weakened--as Austria was dissatisfied with the terms negotiated by Britain for them at the Treaty of Aix - la - Chapelle . Prussia had captured Silesia from Austria during the war and Austria wanted British help to recover it . Sensing that it would not be forthcoming, the Austrians approached their historical enemy France and made a defensive treaty with her--thereby dissolving the twenty - five year Anglo - Austrian Alliance . </P> <P> Alarmed by the sudden switch in the European Balance of Power the British made a similar agreement with Prussia at the Westminster Convention . By doing this Newcastle hoped to rebalance the two sides in central Europe - and thereby make a war potentially mutually destructive to all . This he hoped would stop either Austria or Prussia making an attack on the other and would prevent an all - out war in Europe . This would allow Britain and France to continue their colonial skirmishes without formal war being declared in Europe . Frederick the Great had a number of supporters in London, including William Pitt who welcomed the rapprochement between Britain and Prussia . The Dutch Republic, a long - standing ally of Britain, declared its neutrality in the wake of the Westminster Convention and had no active participation in the coming conflict . </P>

In which year did the relationship between britain and the colonies begin to change dramatically