|
Still attempting to challenge England in terms of trade and influence, the Company of Scotland, attempted to set up colonial interests in South America. The site they chose (in Spanish territory) was a disease infested, swampy isthmus at Darien. As the Scots attempted to export bibles, wool coats and wigs to their colony, the colonists were overcome by disease, hunger, natives and Spaniards. The scheme, which struggled on through the late 1690s, was an unmitigated disaster. It has been estimated a quarter of Scotland\'s wealth for the period was lost supporting the scheme.
|
