Part 1
Bitcoin, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, was the first cryptocurrency. Initially, it was a niche interest among cryptography enthusiasts and libertarians, valued for its decentralized nature and the promise of a new form of money outside government control.### Early Years (2009-2013)- **2009**: Bitcoin's inception with the release of its white paper and the mining of the first block (Genesis Block).- **2010**: Bitcoin's first real-world transaction: 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. The first Bitcoin exchanges appeared.- **2011-2013**: Bitcoin gained traction, with prices rising from a few cents to over $1,000. Silk Road, an online black market, played a significant role in its early usage, later shut down by the FBI.### Growth and Adoption (2014-2017)- **2014**: Major businesses like Overstock.com began accepting Bitcoin. However, Mt. Gox, a major exchange, collapsed after a massive hack.- **2015-2016**: Introduction of new cryptocurrencies (altcoins) and blockchain technologies. Increasing media attention and regulatory scrutiny.- **2017**: Bitcoin reached an all-time high near $20,000, driven by a surge in investor interest. The network faced scalability issues, leading to debates and forks like Bitcoin Cash.### Mainstream Attention (2018-2020)- **2018**: Bitcoin's price plunged, entering a "crypto winter." Regulatory concerns grew globally.- **2019**: Stability returned, with gradual institutional interest. Facebook announced Libra (later Diem), highlighting blockchain's potential.- **2020**: The COVID-19 pandemic spurred interest in Bitcoin as a hedge against economic instability. Major firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla began investing.
