AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

In this analysis, a critical eye will counter many previously held claims of Scottish ineptitude and ill-preparation for the nationally important, Darien Scheme, colonial venture. In the hopes of establishing a trading post on the Isthmus of Panama, and eventually a colony, the Scots set out to change their economic and political fortunes. Through a series of events and sabotage, the mission failed miserably. Much of the historiography blames this on the Scots’ inability to plan and execute a mission of this scale. To counter previous scholarship, the subsequent investigation counters those claims and argues that the Scots used foresight and had a large potential for success, if it were not for the bad luck and English interference. Advisors/Committee Members: McIlvenna, Noeleen (Committee Chair).