Tulip Mania Unveiled

The introduction of tulips to the Netherlands sparked a cultural phenomenon in the early 17th century, driven by a burgeoning middle class eager to display their wealth. As the exotic flowers captured imaginations, crossbreeding led to an explosion of new varieties, igniting a fervor that would soon evolve into the infamous tulip mania. The combination of financial innovations and a thriving trade network set the stage for this floral obsession.