The War of Jenkins' Ear, which began in 1739, was a conflict between Britain and Spain primarily fought in the Caribbean and North America. The war was sparked by tensions over trade and territorial disputes, exemplified by the incident involving British captain Robert Jenkins, who claimed his ear was cut off by Spanish officials. This conflict highlighted the growing imperial rivalries of the time and set the stage for future confrontations between the two nations.

The War of Jenkins' Ear in 1739 fueled a wave of patriotic and jingoistic poetry in Britain, while also inspiring critical reflections on imperialism. Poets began to engage with themes of colonial narratives and the moral implications of war, influencing public sentiment about overseas expansion.