The War of Jenkins' Ear was a conflict lasting from 1739 to 1748 between Britain and Spain. The majority of the fighting took place in New Granada and the Caribbean Sea, with major operations largely ended by 1742. It was related to the 1740 to 1748 War of the Austrian Succession. The name was coined in 1858 by British historian Thomas Carlyle, and refers to Robert Jenkins, captain of the British brig Rebecca, whose ear was allegedly severed by Spanish coast guards while searching his ship for contraband in April 1731.
Ruins of the fortress of San Jeronimo, Portobelo
Spanish Admiral Don Blas de Lezo 1741
Fortress of San Lorenzo el Real Chagres
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Cartagena). This (then incomplete) fortress was integral to Spain's effort to maintain the link with its colonies via the Atlantic sea lanes.
History of Spain (1700–1808)
The Kingdom of Spain entered a new era with the death of Charles II, the last Spanish Habsburg monarch, who died childless in 1700. The War of the Spanish Succession was fought between proponents of a Bourbon prince, Philip of Anjou, and the Austrian Habsburg claimant, Archduke Charles. After the wars were ended with the Peace of Utrecht, Philip V's rule began in 1715, although he had to renounce his place in the succession of the French throne.
Philip V of Spain
Elisabeth Farnese, queen of Spain and second wife of Philip V of Spain
Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad. Philip V and Charles III made the navy a high priority of their governments
King Ferdinand VI of Spain (r. 1746–1759)