Eighteenth-century Britons were frequently anxious about the threat of invasion, military weakness, possible financial collapse and potential revolution. Anthony Page argues that between 1744 and 1815, Britain fought a 'Seventy Years War' with France. This invaluable study:
- Argues for a new periodization of eighteenth-century British history, and explains the politics and course of Anglo-French war
- Explores Britain's 'fiscal-naval' state and its role in the expansion of empire and industrial revolution
- Highlights links between war, Enlightenment and the evolution of modern British culture and politics

Synthesizing recent research on political, military, economic, social and cultural history, Page demonstrates how Anglo-French war influenced the revolutionary era and helped to shape the first age of global imperialism.