British policy rested on the belief that the Seven Years' War had settled Europe and left Britain free to coerce its colonies without outside interference. That assumption ignored French foreign minister Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, and his determination to revise the existing balance. This misreading made an America-first policy dangerous once France found a chance to reopen its contest with Britain. The rebellion was both a colonial problem and a diplomatic opportunity for Britain's rivals.
Notable Point · 31:54-32:25
Britain misreads Europe after the Seven Years' War
British ministers assumed the Seven Years' War had settled Europe, while Vergennes was looking for opportunities to overturn the existing balance.