18th century India was marked by conflict between English and French for establishing political sway in India. In this conflict English defeated French. Important factors which contributed for the victory of England were capture of Bengal by the British and command of sea.
England and France started to struggle among each other for political supremacy in India. Three Carnatic wars were fought between them. These wars ultimately resulted into the victory of England. And by the treaty of Paris it was concluded that the French factories in India were restored but they could no longer be fortified or even adequately garrisoned with troops.
They could serve with only as centers of trade and now the French lived in India under British protection. France was defeated in these wars due to making Pondicherry as base. Pondicherry was not a rich province in terms of resource. On the other hand the English had Bengal as a base.
At that time Bengal was a rich resource Province. And resource of Bengal could be utilized for some profitable business. English utilized thin resource against France.
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Also at that time English had command over sea. They utilized this also. Command over sea helped English in many way to transport arms and ammunitions, man-power etc against French.
This helped British to defeat French. On the other hand French didn’t have control over sea. They were not a great naval power. They didn’t make serious effort to become a great naval power.
Due to this inherent defect it can be said that neither Alexander nor Napoleon could defeat the English having Pondicherry as base and by neglecting establishing control over sea.
The defeat of French had a far reaching significance. For, the defeat paved the way for British to establish supremacy in South India and eventually whole of India. Also defeat of France boosted prestige of English.