Th term "World War" was first coined in 1914 during WW1 when a German man stated that the world was at war and it seemed as though the world was burning around him. To me, a world war is defined as a war that takes place in multiple places around the world, involves multiple superpowers investing many resources unto the war, and alliances consisting of those superpowers. A world war will also cause massive destruction and casualties.
Hey GW! There are some French Fur Traders infringing on our territory in the Colonies. Go Get them!
No problem, I'll take care of them.
We need to protect our plantations in the Caribbean from the French.
No problem, our navy will take care of them.
I am from the British East India company. My name is Robert Clive. We need to fight the Bengali locals and take over trade in India
No problem, our company's military skills are superior to the locals
Brits fight Native Americans and French forces in the Colonies.
British Esast India Company fights Bengali Forces in India.