During this reign Britain was for long periods concerned in war. The Spaniards claimed and used the right of searching English vessels at sea and ill-used the English sailors. This led to an unsuccessful war with Spain.

In 1743 France, Prussia and Bavaria, attempted to obtain and share Austria and her possessions. Britain, alarmed at the union of these powers, assisted Austria in the war of the Austrian Succession, and George II. personally successfully conducted his troops—the last occasion on which an English sovereign has been exposed to the fire of an enemy.

Robert Clive, in command of a British force in India, laid the foundations of our Indian Empire. It will be remembered, how, with 3,000 men, he defeated Surajah Dowlah's force of 60,000 at Plassey, thus securing Bengal for England. The defeat of the French at Wandewash by Colonel Eyre Coote completed the downfall of French power in India.

In North America the French had established colonies in Louisiana and Canada. General Wolfe by the memorable capture of Quebec, in which struggle he was mortally wounded, secured Canada for England.

The Seven Years' War was ended by the First Treaty of Paris which provided, among other things that England should retain Canada, some important isles in the West Indies, and all her conquests in India except Pondicherry.

George II., distinguished as a soldier and leader of men, was a popular king. Although he displayed great interest in his continental possessions he was keen on the advancement of England.