Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Con Artist Who Invented A Country
Nov 12, 2020
Join Laci Mosley, a talented comedian and actress, as she dives back into the notorious story of Gregor MacGregor, the con artist who aimed to create a fictional country. Discover the wild tactics he employed to lure investors into his mirage of land and wealth. The discussion humorously critiques colonial myths and exposes the gullibility of those chasing dreams of fortune. As settlers faced chaos and despair in their quest for a new life, Mosley and the host explore the psychological tricks behind MacGregor's audacious schemes.
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South Sea Bubble
- The South Sea Bubble of 1720 saw wild speculation in ludicrous companies.
- Examples included companies for buying Irish bogs and manufacturing square cannonballs.
Origins of the London Stock Exchange
- The London Stock Exchange emerged partly due to rampant fraud and market instability.
- It aimed to regulate trading and minimize scams by approving listed entities.
Foreign Bond Frenzy
- Post-Napoleonic Wars, investors sought higher returns than offered in Britain, turning to foreign bonds.
- Colombia's request for a loan with a 6% return, illegal in Britain then, sparked a frenzy, followed by Chile and Peru.