Jenkins Ear Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Jenkins’ Ear Day, celebrated on April 9, commemorates the day Captain Robert Jenkins lost his ear in conflict. In April 1731, Spanish coast guards commanded by privateer Juan de León Fandio invaded, searched, and pillaged the ship Rebecca captained by Jenkins. It is unclear precisely why they cut off his ear. According to some accounts, Rebecca was executed for raiding Spanish ships, while others claim she was transporting contraband. Fandio boastfully told Jenkins, “Go and tell your King that if he dares to do the same, I will do the same.” Jenkins returned to England with his pickled ear in a container, which had a significant impact on the country. Therefore, the House of Commons summoned him in March 1738 to demonstrate the severed ear. Jenkins did so obediently, to the astonishment of the chamber. The audience demanded to know what he had done to merit such treatment. Jenkins responded, “I entrust my soul to God and my cause to my nation.”

The background of Jenkins Ear Day

The commander of the Royal Navy in Port Royal stated that those involved in “illicit trade” had no right to complain if their cargoes were confiscated and frequently resorted to violence. In any case, such occurrences were regarded as normal at the time, a necessary cost of doing business. The incident infuriated the English, who demanded that the Spanish be taught a lesson. Cutting off the ears of Englishmen was unacceptable!

Jenkins’ ear sparked the nation’s imagination. This shrivelled object possessed immense power, and the ear became a symbol of English pride. In 1739, the ear caused this level of conflict between England and Spain. As a result, the conflict is known as the conflict of Jenkins’ Ear, which was fought in waves. Throughout the 1730s in Europe and America, there were numerous attempts at diplomatic negotiations between England and Spain. However, this only exacerbated the animosity between the two countries, resulting in the War of Jenkins’ Ear in 1739.

The British launched attacks against Spanish possessions in Central America, which resulted in a large number of deaths primarily due to disease. After 1742, this conflict was superseded by the War of the Austrian Succession, in which the majority of European powers engaged. Peace was not restored until 1748, when the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed. According to conventional wisdom, the primary cause of the War of Jenkins’ Ear was a dispute between Spain and Britain over market access in Spanish America. Recent historians, however, such as Woodfine and Anderson, argue that this was only one of many problems. Other reasons include tensions with Spain over colonial expansion in North America and French apprehension over the increase in British commercial dominance beginning in 1714.

Top 10 Highest Currencies in the World 2023

World Pageant Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Step Into the Spotlight Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

JENKINS EAR DAY ACTIVITIES

Go sailing

You may not have access to the warships from Jenkins’ era, but any vessel that can transport you safely across the water will suffice. Experience what it would have been like to be under attack at sea.

Enjoy dress-up.

Gather a group of friends and don antiquated mariner attire. Take photographs and videos to preserve memories for years to come.

Protect your senses

Even though the likelihood of having your ears cut off is low, they are still at risk. Extremely loud noise is the greatest threat to these organs. Keep them secure by enjoying your entertainment at an appropriate volume and avoiding extremely noisy environments.

5 FACTS ABOUT THE WAR OF JENKINS’ EAR

The 1729 Treaty of Seville permitted the Spanish to board British vessels trading with the Americas in order to conduct contraband inspections.

The contentious nature of British politics in 1738 led many opponents of commencing a naval war against Spain to question the veracity of Jenkins’ account.

The assault on Jenkins was reported in June 1731 in “The Gentleman’s Magazine.”

Juan de León Fandio was held captive by the British for 19 months.

In the early 1740s, he was sent to Saint Helena as interim governor for some time.

JENKINS EAR DAY DATES