Many Army officers are associated here with Walpole's political faction. Their reluctance to fight a colonial war is interpreted partly as concern that further victories would favor the Navy. Even when soldiers stormed Caribbean positions, naval commanders tended to receive the public credit. A European war against France offered the Army a more prominent role. Opposition pressure over Jenkins's injury and similar incidents eventually pushed Walpole into a punitive expedition despite his earlier resistance.
Notable Point · 29:43-31:39
Why Army patrons preferred a European war
Army opposition to colonial war is linked to competition for credit and influence, alongside Walpole's reluctance to fight Spain.