Diplomatic Revolution
Although Newcastle failed to prevent the 1756 Diplomatic Revolution, in which Austria allied with France, Spain initially stayed out of the Seven Years' War. Keene was now in poor health, but his request to be relieved was rejected since he was considered too valuable to British interests. He died in Madrid in 1757, and was replaced by George Hervey, 2nd Earl of Bristol, who did not have the same influence; Charles III of Spain succeeded Ferdinand in 1759, and in 1762 he entered the war on the side of France.