Part 7/10:
Political Implications and the Aftermath
The scandal triggered dramatic political shifts. A parliamentary inquiry revealed the extensive bribery and corruption that had enveloped both the South Sea Company and its political supporters. Robert Walpole emerged as a stabilizing force, capitalizing on public discontent while ensuring the Whig party remained in control of Parliament.
While Britain navigated its way through the financial wreckage, France's response to their bubble was markedly different. The French government chose to tread cautiously, instituting recovery measures that stifled future financial innovation. Eventually, the disparities in fiscal strategies would pay dividends for Britain, fortifying its position in subsequent military conflicts, notably the Napoleonic Wars.