Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It was founded in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and has since become one of the largest and most widely-used blockchain networks in the world.

The Ethereum network allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) on top of its blockchain, using its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH). These dApps can be built for a wide range of purposes, including:

1. Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications

2. Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces

3. Gaming platforms

4. Social media platforms

5. Supply chain management systems

The Ethereum network is powered by a consensus algorithm called Proof of Work (PoW), but it's planning to transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) with the upcoming Ethereum 2.0 upgrade.

Key features of the Ethereum network include:

1. Smart contracts: Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written directly into code.

2. Decentralized applications (dApps): Applications built on top of the Ethereum blockchain.

3. Ether (ETH): The native cryptocurrency used to pay for transaction fees and computational services.

4. Gas: A unit of measurement for the computational effort required to execute transactions and smart contracts.

Overall, the Ethereum network provides a robust and flexible platform for building decentralized applications and has played a significant role in the growth of the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.