Fort Ligonier was part of a larger conflict in North America – the French and Indian War – which itself was one of several theaters in the great contest later called the Seven Years’ War.

Starting in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 1754, the war expanded around the world, 1756-1763, to Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, across the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and over the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The Seven Years’ War was basically two wars, the British-French clash in Europe and the colonies, and the struggle by Prussia against a coalition led by Austria. The death toll approached 1 million in all theaters, with 850,000 in Europe alone.

The consequences of the Seven Years’ War – the most decisive and significant conflict of the 18th century – linger yet.

Click here to learn more about the Fort Ligonier Museum exhibit The World Ablaze: An Introduction to the Seven Years’ War.

Image Credit: Battle of Rossbach, c.1758. Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library