Introduction
This module provides a structured overview of the major events, innovations, and challenges that have defined the evolution of cryptocurrencies from their early conceptual foundations to the present day. Beginning with the emergence of Bitcoin in 2008 and continuing through to developments as recent as 2025, the course traces how the crypto ecosystem has grown from a niche technological experiment into a global financial infrastructure.
Through a chronological exploration of key milestones—including the creation of Ethereum and smart contracts, the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), major market cycles, security incidents, and regulatory responses—you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces that have shaped the cryptocurrency landscape.
By the end of this module, you will be equipped with a historical perspective that not only highlights pivotal moments, but also reveals long-term trends in innovation, adoption, regulation, and market behavior. This context is essential for anyone seeking to engage meaningfully with blockchain technology today and in the future.