1720s

The 1720s was a decade marked by economic speculation and financial instability, notably in Europe. The period saw the bursting of the South Sea Bubble in 1720, a major stock market crash caused by overly optimistic investing in a company linked to Spain’s South American colonies. This event led to widespread financial repercussions, public distrust in markets, and political debates about regulation. Overall, the 1720s reflected the era’s growing complexity of financial systems, the risks of speculative ventures, and the importance of oversight in economic activities.