The Vienna Securities Exchange, founded in 1771, was the largest stock trading center in Eastern Europe at the time, drawing investors from all across Europe.
At six o'clock on the morning of June 11, 1850, the Vienna Securities Exchange was already packed solid with people.
For investors to line up so early, something major had naturally happened. Austria's largest railway company—the Austrian Federal Railway Operations Group—was being listed here today.
After such a long buildup, the concept of railway stocks had long since been whipped into a frenzy. Almost everyone believed this sunrise industry could bring them handsome returns.
A middle-aged man dressed in lavish clothes stepped down from his carriage. Seeing the crowd in line, he cursed, "Damn it, why are there so many people today? Are they all rushing off to eat shit?"
His behavior swiftly drew angry glares. A young police officer maintaining order came over and said with displeasure, "Sir, please watch your manners. This is an upscale establishment. Profanity is prohibited."
The richly dressed man obediently shut his mouth. He knew that if he kept going, he might well be charged with disturbing public order.
Ordinarily, it would not have mattered. At worst, he would make a trip to the police station. A few curses hardly counted as a serious crime; he only needed to pay a fine.
But today was different. Subscribing to new shares had always been investors' favorite, not to mention railway stocks with boundless potential. If he missed today, the price would no longer be the same when he tried to buy them later.
Seeing his reaction, the young officer left with satisfaction.
Those queuing here were not important figures. The truly important people had gone straight into the VIP trading rooms upstairs.
Vienna never lacked nobles and dignitaries. Those seemingly