Question

Most epic fail(s) of a civilization in history?

Answer 1

There are a couple of excellent examples:

Easter Island's collapsed civilization due to deforestation and cultic stone head building activties leaving them trapped and starving on the island.

The Inca Empire being conquered by about 100 Spaniards.

The collapse of the Swedish Empire because of the Battle of Poltava.

The Maginot Line. France's enormous fortified defensive line against Hitler.

Queen Victoria's hemophilia gene extinguishing the monarchies of Europe she so wished to preserve forever.

Spain's economic management since 1500 A.D.

Albania.

Answer 2

The Finland/Russia Winter war? Agree the Maginot Line was a huge Epic Fail, that would make a good answer...

Answer 3

There are too many examples to name... I think I saw a cracked.com article on it once.

can't find it now :(

Answer 4

America blaming Spain for the USS Maine, leading into a century of expansionism, pseuo-colonialism, de facto slavery, and invasions of democracies and self-governing areas. IMO.

Answer 5

the second war for the plains of abraham... the french retake quebec only to watch the british ships arrive first.

Answer 6

Currently, North Korea.
Also, I'd throw in Norse settlements of Greenland for major fail of colonization.

Answer 7

The Treaty of Versailles. It was supposed to suppress Germany after World War I, but it became a major driving force for the rise of Nazi Germany.

Answer 8

electing the Nazi party (democratically) and the consequences