When Alexander Hamilton faced blackmail in 1797, he chose to tell his own story rather than live in fear. Two centuries later, Jeff Bezos made the same bold choice, showing how temporary embarrassment can be better than permanent anxiety.

While Spain, France, and Britain were establishing profitable colonies in the Americas, Scotland decided to risk everything on one ambitious scheme in Panama. They invested 20% of their entire country's money and sent 2,500 colonists to create a trading empire. The catastrophic failure bankrupted Scotland and forced them into union with England, accidentally creating modern Britain.

When countries started creating flags, one simple design from the Netherlands spread across the world. This pattern of stripes became a template that dozens of nations adapted, each choosing colors that meant something special to them.