Later in the struggle she drew in Spain as her ally, but it was only to involve that country in her own external ruin.

England, on the other hand, defended and nourished by the sea, rode it everywhere in triumph.

Secure and prosperous at home, she supported with her money the enemies of France.

At the end of seven years the kingdom of Great Britain had become the British Empire.
It is far from certain that France could have successfully contended with England on the sea, without an ally.

In 1756 the French navy had sixty-three ships-of-the-line, of which forty-five were in fair condition; but equipments and artillery were deficient.