THE DARIEN DISASTER Flashcards
Why was Scotland’s economy struggling in the 1690s?
Scotland’s economy was struggling due to the Navigation Acts, which restricted trade with England’s colonies, and the ban on trading with France, imposed by William of Orange. Additionally, famines during the “Ill Years” exacerbated the economic hardships.
What were the Navigation Acts?
The Navigation Acts were laws that restricted foreign ships from engaging in trade between England and its colonies, effectively limiting Scottish merchants from profitable trading opportunities with the New World.
What was the Darien Scheme?
The Darien Scheme was a Scottish attempt in the late 1690s to establish a colony on the Isthmus of Darien (now Panama) to create a trading empire and improve Scotland’s economy.
Who proposed the Darien Scheme?
William Paterson proposed the Darien Scheme based on information from a sailor named Lionel Wafer, who described Darien as an ideal location for a colony.
What was the main goal of the Company of Scotland?
The main goal of the Company of Scotland was to establish a Scottish overseas empire to enhance the nation’s economy and global standing.
Why did the Darien Scheme ultimately fail?
The Darien Scheme failed due to poor planning, unsuitable terrain, tropical diseases, insufficient supplies, lack of support from the English government, and constant threat of Spanish attack.
What were some of the challenges faced by settlers in Darien?
Settlers faced challenges including tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever, harsh terrain unsuitable for agriculture, food shortages, and threats from the Spanish.
How did King William’s actions contribute to the failure of the Darien Scheme?
King William withdrew support for the Darien Scheme under pressure from English merchants and political concerns, forbade English and Dutch investment, and prohibited English colonies from providing aid to the Scots in Darien.
What was the impact of the Darien Scheme’s failure on Scotland’s economy?
The failure of the Darien Scheme led to massive financial losses, virtually bankrupting Scotland as many had invested their life savings into the venture.
How did the failure of the Darien Scheme affect Anglo-Scottish relations?
The failure worsened relations between Scotland and England, with many Scots feeling that England had deliberately sabotaged their efforts, fuelling resentment and contributing to the Jacobite rebellions.
What diseases plagued the Scottish settlers in Darien?
The settlers were plagued by diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and plague, for which they had no natural immunity.
Why did the settlers in Darien face food shortages?
The settlers faced food shortages due to the unsuitable terrain for agriculture, poor planning in terms of supplies, and lack of support from nearby English colonies.
What role did poor planning play in the failure of the Darien Scheme?
Poor planning played a significant role, as the scheme was based on inaccurate information, lacked proper logistical support, and failed to anticipate the proximity to the Spanish Empire and the natural dangers of the region.
What was the economic impact of the Darien Scheme on Scottish investors?
Scottish investors lost over £232,884, representing a significant portion of the nation’s wealth, leading to economic hardship and a loss of morale.
How did the failure of the Darien Scheme influence the Act of Union in 1707?
The financial disaster and the worsening relations with England contributed to a realisation that Scotland could not succeed alone, pushing the country towards political union with England in 1707.
