Bitcoin has reached an unprecedented milestone, surpassing $100,000 for the first time on Dec. 5. This historic achievement underscores the cryptocurrency’s meteoric rise, marking a significant moment in its evolution and the broader crypto market.

The price surge follows weeks of momentum, breaking past the $90,000 barrier just last month on Nov. 12, according to TradingView data. This year alone has brought more than $31 billion in net inflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States, further driving demand amid tightened supply after Bitcoin's fourth halving in April.

Political developments have also bolstered Bitcoin’s rise. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has ignited speculation around a strategic Bitcoin national reserve. His pro-crypto cabinet picks, including Paul Atkins as the potential new chair of the SEC and crypto-friendly appointments for the Treasury and Commerce departments, signal a regulatory landscape that could favor digital assets.

Corporate adoption has played a vital role in this rally, led by MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor’s continued accumulation of Bitcoin. These factors combined have driven Bitcoin's price 126% higher since the start of the year, when it was trading at $44,000.

Bitcoin’s market capitalization has now surpassed $2 trillion, a new all-time high, cementing its place as a dominant force in the global financial system. While this rally is historic, it’s not Bitcoin’s most dramatic surge. In 2017, Bitcoin surged 1,900% from $1,000 to $20,000, and during the pandemic, it climbed 1,250% to $69,000 in November 2021.

This milestone reinforces Bitcoin’s enduring appeal as a store of value and a disruptive force in the financial world.