The Evolution of Cigarettes

In America, cigarettes have become a large part of the population. Starting in 1917, during WWI, cigarettes were on the rise. Part of soldiers rations were cigarettes, and this created the addiction for thousands. In 1929, the women's rights movements was very strong. Cigarette companies began to advertise for woman as saying cigarettes are "torches of freedom." WWII came in 1941 and cigarettes again were part of the soldiers rations increasing the number of smokers. Not until 1965 did cigarettes begin to be seen as unhealthy. At this time warning labels were mandatory on boxes of cigarettes. In 1982 cigarettes were still on the rise with this year selling the most cigarettes in history. In 1995 the FDA announced nicotine as a drug. A fall of for cigarettes. However in 2007 electronic cigarettes entered the market. (Stein)