Key Events in Bitcoin's Journey Since 2008

Bitcoin’s ascent to $100,000 is a historic moment in this exceptional 16-year life. Since its mysterious beginnings, its evolution and its current dominance in the financial world are a demonstration of its resilience and acceptance. Let’s explore the key events in Bitcoin’s journey that have shaped its path to this historic moment.

2008: The Beginning of Bitcoin

The genesis of Bitcoin was in the year 2008, when an anonymous developer, Satoshi Nakamoto, shared the idea of a decentralized digital currency. This marked the foundation of what would later become a financial revolution. The story of Bitcoin’s development includes the beginning of the publication of Nakamoto’s white paper, which set forth the model for an electronic cash system, peer-to-peer and uninhibited by central authority.

2010: Bitcoin’s First Real-World Transaction

Two years after its inception, Bitcoin entered real-world usage when a programmer used 10,000 bitcoins to buy two pizzas. This transaction, now valued at over $1 billion, is one of the key events in Bitcoin’s journey, showcasing its potential as a medium of exchange. It was the initial step to change Bitcoin, a digital asset, into a global one.

2013: The Rise of Bitcoin ETFs

With the rise of Bitcoin, the Winklevoss twins applied for the first time—the crypto asset exchange-traded fund (ETF). Though their work was met with disbelief, it was a turning point for Bitcoin’s path toward acceptance by the masses. Among the major milestones that occurred in Bitcoin’s history, Grayscale Investments company launched Bitcoin Investment Trust, which lifted the barrier to institutional investment.

2017: The Launch of Bitcoin Futures

Another important stage in the development of bitcoin was the introduction of bitcoin futures contracts. This turn of events, which is regarded as one of the most significant moments in the development of Bitcoin, bestowed legitimization on the market of cryptocurrencies and enabled investors to buy protection for their positions. It also helped lead to more widespread use by established financial entities.

2021: Approval of the First Futures-Based Bitcoin ETF

In October 2021, the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) approved the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (the first U.S.-listed futures-based Bitcoin ETF). This evolution was a revolution and one of the most important things that happened in Bitcoin’s life. It marked the beginning of a new era, with institutional investors gaining access to Bitcoin through regulated channels.

2023: The Push for Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Key events in Bitcoin’s journey took another leap forward in 2023 when industry giants like BlackRock and Fidelity filed applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs. This led to a market revival and thus it pushed the price of Bitcoin to a one-year peak. An appeal court decision in favor of Grayscale also fueled optimism for approval of spot ETF, confirming Bitcoin’s position in the financial landscape.

2024: Bitcoin Breaks Records

The year 2024 has been monumental for Bitcoin. In January, the SEC cleared several spot Bitcoin ETFs, a sign that the era of regulatory friendliness is upon us. By March, Bitcoin topped $70,000, doubling its value in just five months. These are just a few of the most important key events that have shaped Bitcoin’s trajectory, which led to Bitcoin’s landmark climb to $100,000 by December.

The Role of Trump’s Pro-Crypto Agenda

The 2024 boom in Bitcoin was a result of White House-in-waiting Donald Trump’s crypto-positive position. His pledges that the country would become the “crypto capital of the world” as well as build a national bitcoin reserve found many investors receptive. These actions, combined with institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, propelled the cryptocurrency to new heights. Key events in Bitcoin’s journey now include Trump’s influence, marking a unique intersection of politics and crypto.

Looking Ahead

While Bitcoin solidifies its role in the global financial world, the cryptocurrency is still maturing and faces issues such as regulatory attention and an adverse environmental profile. However, the achievements achieved so far emphasize its robustness and promise to influence the evolution of money.

Key Events in Bitcoin’s Journey Since 2008

Year	Event
2008	Bitcoin concept introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto.
2010	First retail transaction: 10,000 BTC for two pizzas.
2013	Winklevoss twins file first Bitcoin ETF application; Grayscale launches Bitcoin Investment Trust.
2016	Grayscale and Winklevoss brothers amend their ETF applications.
2017	SEC rejects Winklevoss application, citing market immaturity.
2018	SEC rejects Winklevoss twins’ second ETF application.
2020	Grayscale becomes SEC-reporting entity; first publicly traded Bitcoin fund in the U.S.
2021	ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF approved; first spot Bitcoin ETF launches in Canada.
2022	Major crypto collapses (FTX, Celsius); Grayscale sues SEC after ETF rejection.
2023	BlackRock files for Bitcoin ETF; U.S. court sides with Grayscale, ordering SEC review.
2024 (Jan)	SEC approves 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs, sparking huge investor inflows.
2024 (March)	Bitcoin reaches $70,000.
2024 (July)	Trump pledges U.S. dominance in cryptocurrency.
2024 (Nov)	Trump wins presidency; Bitcoin rallies toward $100,000.
2024 (Dec)	Bitcoin crosses $100,000, marking a 140% annual surge.