Delineating the thermal history of electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB) is a compelling challenge for particle physics and cosmology. While EWSB in the Standard Model occurs through a smooth crossover transition, well-motivated Standard Model extensions may yield a first order electroweak
phase transition (EWPT). The occurrence of a first order EWPT would have significant implications for baryogenesis and generation of gravitational radiation. In this talk, I present simple, generic arguments implying that the LHC -- plus a combination of next generation colliders -- could provide a comprehensive probe of the first order EWPT landscape. I also present recent advances in non-perturbative EWPT studies and their implications for collider phenomenology.
