grew tired of Walpole’s method of ruling, and of his peace policy, and in their speeches talked a good deal about ‘‘Patriotism,” or love of country. Hence they were, in derision, called the “Patriots,” and Walpole sneered at them, and said that when they grew older they would become wiser.
7. The Family Compact.—In spite of all the ‘‘Patriots” could do, Walpole continued to hold his ground, until a war with Spain broke out in 1739. This was-caused by France and Spain forming a secret ‘‘Family Compact” (they both had members of the Bourbon family on their thrones) against England. Spain was to get the aid of France in recovering Gibraltar from England, in return for her giving France the sole right to trade with her colonies in America. English merchants, after the Treaty of Utrecht, had been permitted to trade slightly in the South Seas, and finding the trade profitable, had managed to increase it a good deal by smuggling. When the smugglers were caught by the Spanish authorities, they were imprisoned and otherwise punished. Tales of Spanish cruelty were spread abroad throughout England, and Parliament and the people began to clamour for war. Walpole was very much against going to war, as he knew that England was not prepared, and besides, feared a Jacobite rising, aided by France and Spain. But the feeling of the nation for war was so strong, that Walpole unwillingly gave way, and declared war in 1739. When the bells began to ring at the news, Walpole said, ‘‘They may ring their bells now, but they will soon be wringing their hands.”
8. Fall of Walpole.—It did not take long for Walpole’s words to come true. The war was badly managed, and England had little success. Walpole was blamed for this, and perhaps he deserved the blame, as he was not fitted for the duties of a war minister. To make matters worse, crops failed, and bread became dear. People began to cry out against Walpole, and he was forced to resign, in 1742. He was made Earl of Orford, and given a pension. He never again held office, but for years had influence enough with the king to say who should be the king’s ministers.
9. War of the Austrian Succession.—And now another war sprang up in which England, rather unwisely, took part. The German Emperor, Charles VI. (the Archduke Charles of the war of the Spanish Succession) had no son, and desiring to leave his
