Scipio's Characteristics

Scipio represented a changing of the guard, and despite his success was looked upon with real fear by his elders. He arrived in Spain with 10,000 men to regain lost Roman territory but had no intention of simply fighting a defensive war. His long term goal was to end the war completely, and saw Spain as his proving ground. If he succeeded here, the Senate might offer him overall command of the legions, and allow him to pursue his dream of conquering Carthage. It was essentially take a chance on Scipio or admit to feet in Spain. So to Scipio went the command.