1. The Darien Scheme: Scotland’s Tropical Nightmare
In the late 1690s, Scotland launched one of history’s boldest—and most disastrous—colonial gambles: the Darien Scheme. Eager for economic independence, Scots pooled their fortunes to establish “New Caledonia” on the mosquito-infested coast of Panama. But dreams quickly turned to horror as disease, starvation, and relentless rain decimated the settlers. The poorly planned mission collapsed within two years, wiping out a fifth of Scotland’s wealth and pushing the nation toward union with England. Further reading: BBC.
