Sure, in the past people had gold for the same purpose. The difference is that gold has at least some intrinsic value. It can be made into beautiful jewelry. It has industrial uses. Bitcoin has no intrinsic value, so if people lose confidence it could drop to 0.
The fact that Bitcoin works differently to fiat is what gives it value to some people. Being different is the point.
Sure, in the past people had gold for the same purpose. The difference is that gold has at least some intrinsic value. It can be made into beautiful jewelry. It has industrial uses. Bitcoin has no intrinsic value, so if people lose confidence it could drop to 0.