Darien Scheme, ry/union_and_jacobites/the_darien_ scheme/

What was it? Company of Scotland – attempt a colonial trade. What went wrong? Initially lacked money, English govt. told their colonies NOT to trade with Scotland. Geography issues, Spanish colonial territory, Spain tried to settle previously and didn’t work. Tried to trade with wool and parasols. Disease. Where? Central America – Panama. When? 1698 Why? Scotland was poor, needed trade to boost economy. e.g. famines Who? Patterson. Wealthy businessman from Dumfries. Both wife and son died. Convinced investors.

Trade & Wealth Countries used colonies to boost economy Central America Scots planned to use rivers and go overland to reach Darien Bad idea! Panama Canal (same place as Darien plan) wasn’t built until early 20 th Century Historian Brown ‘the enterprise was planned and executed with staggering incompetence.’

Task: Problems Scots PlanningWilliamDarien (Place, not scheme) Bought ships instead of hiring – expensive. Prices at highest. Not enough supplies. Unsuitable. 5 ships only had small nets – issue for food. Lack of communication – lots of problems e.g. lack of relief. Planning issue – didn’t check out Darien beforehand. Didn’t think Spanish would be so strong. Overpowered. Brought wrong trade items e.g. wool and overpriced. 40%. 1.7 mln stolen by fraudster. Didn’t send anyone ahead. No insurance!!! Lost ships… Company directors inexperienced. Based on rumour – gold etc. Forbade England to trade with Scot. No help from English colonies. Stopped foreign investors. No interest. Trying to help the Dutch – detrimental to Scots. Originally agreed but withdrew – members of commons and lords weren’t happy and told him this. Driven by self- interest. Diseases e.g. cholera. Wind in wrong direction for ships leaving port. Surrounded by Spanish territory – increased competition. Wrong terrain Too hot Rained a LOT Rainforest Ground too boggy Plants!!!!!!!!

Because, Because, Because… Using the worksheet, select ALL relevant information and place it under the following headings: Why was it introduced? Why did it fail? What was the opinion of the Scots? Why did it create problems with England? TRANSFER ALL INFO IN OWN WORDS!!

Source: How far… Answer the source question by using bullet points to develop: Source: 3/4 pieces of content with recalled support. Recall: 6/7 developed, relevant points.