Cryptocurrencies and web3 were born from a long tradition of reactionary responses to the New Deal and the abandonment of the gold standard. We trace that history and discuss the implications it has on design, intent, and future of cryptocurrencies and web3. Dave Troy is a researcher, writer, and entrepreneur based in Baltimore, Maryland. He has been studying social media data since 2007. He is a Fellow with New America Foundation’s Future Frontlines initiative, and writes regularly about information warfare, history, and politics for his blog and other publications. He is the host of the podcast Dave Troy Presents, and speaks regularly at conferences about the societal effects of disinformation and information warfare. Contact information is available at davetroy.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx