Limited Wars and Cautious Strategies

This chapter explores the cautious and conservative nature of warfare in the 18th century, highlighting that governments would raise taxes and take out loans for military spending but did not resort to extreme measures like seizing control over parts of the economy. It discusses the Seven Years' War as a major global conflict that didn't significantly impact the lives of most Europeans and explains why 18th century states did not have the capabilities or motivations to wage total war.