Which British earl was commander-in-chief in North America from 1756 to 1758?

Lord Loudoun was the British earl who served as commander-in-chief in North America during 1756–1757. The question’s end date is slightly imprecise: he was replaced after the failed 1757 campaign, but Lord Loudoun is still the intended and canonical answer.

John Campbell inherited the title of 4th Earl of Loudoun in 1731 and became a British Army officer. During the Seven Years’ War, he was sent to North America in 1756 and also served as governor of Virginia. His responsibilities included coordinating British regulars, colonial troops, and military supplies against France and its Indigenous allies.

Loudoun planned an expedition against Louisbourg in 1757, but abandoned it after receiving reports that French defenses were too strong. That same year, French forces captured Fort William Henry, damaging his reputation. He was then replaced by James Abercrombie and returned to Britain.

A common mix-up is with Jeffery Amherst, who later became commander-in-chief and directed the successful British campaigns that captured Louisbourg, Quebec, and Montreal.