Stuff You Missed in History Class Why did England and Spain fight over an ear?
Jul 23, 2008
A clash over an ear? Absolutely! The story unfolds with Captain Jenkins, whose punishment by the Spanish Coast Guard ignited tensions between England and Spain. The hosts delve into colonial rivalries, highlighting how shipping disputes and lingering hostilities from the War of Spanish Succession exacerbated conflicts. They explore how one man's misfortune contributed to broader territorial disputes in the New World. With a blend of humor and historical insight, this tale reveals just how significant a single incident can be in the grand narrative of war.
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Colonial Rivalry In The New World
- Hosts set the scene describing colonial competition among England, Spain, and France in the Americas.
- They note commerce, resource extraction, and territorial claims made the New World a flashpoint for conflict.
Jenkins' Pickled Ear Marches To Parliament
- In 1731 Spanish coast guardsboarded Captain Robert Jenkins' ship and cut off his ear.
- Jenkins preserved the ear and seven years later presented it to the British Parliament as evidence of Spanish brutality.
Seven Years Between Injury And Complaint
- After the ear incident, Jenkins waited seven years before bringing the preserved ear to the House of Commons.
- His complaint found a receptive British Parliament already annoyed with Spain.