The War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-42), a West Indies maritime struggle that was part of the wider Anglo-Spanish War (1739-48), was fought between England and Spain over the control of trade in the Caribbean. To a lesser degree, the war also involved the defense of Great Britain’s colonies in the Western Hemisphere and the fear that Spain and France might form an alliance to contain future British expansion in America.
As tension between England and Spain escalated over trading issues, the situation changed and Jenkins’ ear was used as a motif to start a war. The ear became a symbol for the outrage the British public increasingly felt towards what it perceived as Spanish aggression on the high seas.
The War of Jenkins’ Ear (so called after an alleged Spanish atrocity against a British merchant navy officer, Captain Robert Jenkins) was initially successful. Admiral Edward Vernon became a popular and Opposition hero when he captured the Spanish settlement of Portobelo (in what is now Panama)….
By October, both sides had repeatedly violated the convention’s terms. Though reluctant, Walpole officially declared war on October 23, 1739. The term “War of Jenkins’ Ear” derives from Captain Robert Jenkins who had his ear cut off by the Spanish Coast Guard in 1731.
The term “War of Jenkins’ Ear” derives from Captain Robert Jenkins who had his ear cut off by the Spanish Coast Guard in 1731. Asked to appear in Parliament to recount his tale, he reputedly displayed his ear during his testimony.
What was the impact of the war of Jenkins’Ear on NC?
The War of Jenkins’ Ear brought no sense of accomplishment to the English colonies in America generally or to North Carolina in particular. Only 600 of the original 3,600 volunteers lived to return to their respective colonies.
What was the Jenkins incident and why was it important?
Public opinion had already been aroused by other Spanish outrages on British ships, and the Jenkins episode was swiftly exploited by members of Parliament who were in opposition to the government of Robert Walpole.
When did Robert Jenkins get his ear cut off?
Though reluctant, Walpole officially declared war on October 23, 1739. The term “War of Jenkins’ Ear” derives from Captain Robert Jenkins who had his ear cut off by the Spanish Coast Guard in 1731. Asked to appear in Parliament to recount his tale, he reputedly displayed his ear during his testimony.