The western German-speaking states of Europe have…
March 1759 CE
This had culminated in a decisive victory for the French at the Battle of Hastenbeck and the attempted imposition of the Convention of Klosterzeven upon the defeated allies: Hanover, Prussia and Britain.
Prussia and Britain had refused to ratify the convention and, in 1758, a counter-offensive commanded by Ferdinand had seen French forces first driven back across the Rhine, then beaten at the Battle of Krefeld.
The Prussian port of Emden had also been recaptured, securing supply from Britain.