Which 18th-century speculative bubble burst when the South Sea Company's share price collapsed?

The South Sea Bubble was the 18th-century speculative bubble whose collapse followed the South Sea Company's share-price collapse.

The South Sea Company was founded in England in 1711 and received a monopoly over British trade with Spanish South America, although its practical trading prospects were limited. In 1720, political influence, promotional claims, and easy credit helped drive its shares to extraordinary heights. The price rose from about £128 in January to more than £1,000 in August.

Confidence broke later in 1720, and the shares fell sharply. The collapse ruined many investors and produced a political scandal in Britain. Parliament investigated the company, and the episode led to the Bubble Act of 1720. The South Sea Bubble is often discussed alongside France's Mississippi Bubble, but they were separate companies and schemes.