Question

Why was the Third Carnatic War fought? What were its results?

Answer 1

Hint: A territorial and tactical dispute for political and economic supremacy in Karnataka, happening just a year later after the Seven Years War broke out in Europe in 1756 between the French and the British. Marks the significance of the year of 1757; Battle of Plassey.

Complete answer: -The British had taken over Chandanagar in Bengal despite being heavily fortified from the French, and their response was an attack to take over their holding in Madras, capturing Fort St. George. They, however, failed to take over other key locations like Trichinopoly, Arcot, Madras, St. David.
-In 1760, the French lost important centres including Pondicherry, Mahe, Gingee and Karaikal. French soldiers were defeated by being cut off. They consequently starved.
-The War ended with the Treaty of Paris where Pondicherry and Chandanagar were returned but the French were only allowed to use them for trade, no fortification or deployment of troops allowed. Similarly, they were permitted to set up factories but were barred from administering them.
The results included:
-Establishment of British supremacy and consequently French hopes of colonizing India crashed.
-This happened due to military and naval superiority of the British, both in terms of resources like artillery, infantry and horses and able soldiers like Clive and Lawrence. Capturing Bengal had also given them an upper-hand.

Note: Also known as the Battle of Wandiwash, the key players included the Count de Lally (French General), British Lieutenant-General Sir Eyre Coote.