Released on October 31, 2008, the whitepaper laid out how Bitcoin combines proof-of-work with a decentralized network of nodes enforcing consensus rules, enabling trust-minimized digital cash. It proposed a chain of cryptographic signatures, Merkle trees, network broadcasting, and built-in incentives for miners (block rewards). Although brief (just nine pages), it sparked the entire cryptocurrency revolution. The whitepaper’s clarity and insight continue influencing system designs in crypto. Many projects still reference or adapt Satoshi’s blueprint, underscoring its foundational role in modern blockchain technology.