Read one of the characters in DC comics tell Tim Drake, the third Robin, in his solo series, that there were five world wars (Seven Years War, World War 1 and 2, the Cold War, and the War on Terror), granted the dude was insane and turned on Tim later in the story. But, then, one of the Co-Hosts of Extra History said the same thing, in the "Articles of Confederation -- Lies" video. So, what'cha think? Was the Seven Years War a World War?
If you define a “world war” as a conflict with theaters and fronts on at least two continents, then yes, the Seven Year’s War does fit that description. In mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and Prussia fought against France, Austria, and Russia. In the Americas, British colonial forces fought the French with involvement by Native Americans on both sides — in the United States, this part of the conflict is known as the French and Indian War. In India, the Mughals attempted to thwart a British invasion. With heavy fighting both in mainland Europe and the colonial possessions of North America, and a network of alliances that spanned Europe, the Seven Year’s War could be reasonably considered the first “world war.”
Of course, like I said in the opening — it all depends on your definition of “world war.”