The Grand Question, War or, No War, With Spain

Written anonymously, attributed to Horatio Walpole, the younger brother of first British prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole. An exploration of “The Grand Question”, referring to the military position of Britain in reference to Spain. At the time of publication, there had been a number of recent lootings of British merchant ships, including a dramatic incident where Captain Robert Jenkins lost his ear to a Spanish attack. By 1739, the British public had been growing more and more agitated by the increasing threat. The author presents his argument, describing the demands of a war with Spain, which would probably result in Britain’s defeat at the hands of the Spanish ships. Despite Walpole’s concerns, the war entitled the “War of Jenkin’s Ear” commenced in 1739, lasting for nine years. $5.00