Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Tulip Mania

Tulip Mania, reaching its peak in 1637 in the Dutch Republic, was a period of intense speculation on tulip bulbs, leading to an economic bubble. Initially a luxury item, tulip bulbs' prices surged dramatically, drawing in a wide spectrum of society eager to capitalize on their rising value. The market's sudden collapse exposed many to financial ruin, highlighting the instability of speculative markets. This event is regarded as one of the first recorded speculative bubbles in history.