Anglo-Prussian Convention facts for kids

The Anglo-Prussian Convention was an important agreement signed on 11 April 1758. It was made between Great Britain and the Kingdom of Prussia. This agreement made their alliance official, which had already been working since 1756.

What Was the Anglo-Prussian Convention?

This convention was a formal treaty. It officially brought together Great Britain and Prussia as allies. They had been working together since the Convention of Westminster in 1756.

Why Was This Agreement Important?

The two countries made a key promise: they would not make peace with their enemies separately. This meant they would stick together until the war was over for both of them.

Financial Support for Prussia

Great Britain agreed to pay Prussia a large sum of money. This payment was called a subsidy. It amounted to £670,000 each year. This was more money than Britain had ever given to an ally during a war before. This money was meant to help Prussia pay for its soldiers and fight the war.

British Hopes for the Alliance

In return for the money, Britain hoped Prussia would provide soldiers. These soldiers, both infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (horse soldiers), would join the German Army of Observation. This army was led by Ferdinand of Brunswick. Its main job was to protect Hanover and nearby areas. Hanover was a territory connected to the British King.

British Troops on the Continent

A big change in this agreement was about British soldiers. Britain agreed to send troops to guard the port of Emden. This port had been taken back from French and Austrian forces in 1757. Before this, Britain usually did not send its own soldiers to fight in Europe. In fact, William Pitt, a very important British leader, had said just months earlier that Britain would not do this. Sending troops to Emden was a new step for Britain.

How Long Did the Alliance Last?

When they signed the convention, neither Britain nor Prussia knew how long the war would last. They thought it might only be for one or two years. They also did not expect the problems that would later come up between them.

The End of the Alliance

The alliance between Great Britain and Prussia lasted until 30 April 1762. It ended with bad feelings between the two countries. Lord Bute, a new British leader, decided to end the agreement. King George III supported Bute's decision, along with George Grenville. This was against the wishes of other important leaders like the Duke of Newcastle and William Pitt.