Which 1720 speculation episode involved the South Sea Company?

The South Sea Bubble was the 1720 speculation episode involving the South Sea Company. The company received special trading privileges and became the focus of intense enthusiasm in Britain.

Investors bought shares as promoters encouraged expectations of enormous profits from trade with Spanish America. Share prices rose dramatically, and many people speculated using borrowed money or by forming other companies during the wider boom.

Confidence collapsed later in 1720 when the company's prospects failed to justify its valuation. The resulting losses damaged investors and led to parliamentary investigations. The South Sea Bubble occurred alongside France's Mississippi Bubble, but they were separate schemes.