A Brief History of Advertising

Advertising can provoke, entertain, inform and in its basic form, sell Advertising can provoke, entertain, inform and in its basic form, sell. But how and why did this form of communication come about to its current state?

Advertising as we know it today is a product of modern times. It came about as a result of at least four factors: • The rise of capitalism - free market society • The Industrial Revolution - widespread use of machines • Manufacturers’ pursuit of power through distribution • The rise of modern mass media - papers, radio, etc.

Advertising allows us to interact with the larger community through communication via selling products, services and and focus marketing.

The 1800’s Fantastic claims established the early voices of advertising.

World events and technology start to shape advertising’s influence. The 1920’s World events and technology start to shape advertising’s influence.

The Great Depression (1930’s) Tough times leave advertising fighting for people’s attention.

World War II (40’s-60’s) Patriotism, paranoia and manipulation are advertising hallmarks.

The 1950’s The introduction of TV and “the hard sell” dominated the 50’s ad landscape.

new fangled stuff define the Family, flirtation and new fangled stuff define the modern 50’s lifestyle.

The 1960’s Advertising in was a cultural flashpoint for the rebellious temperament and creative voice of the 1960’s.

The 1970’s In the 70’s advertising focused more on the product than the approach; mirroring society’s selfishness.

Advertising in the 70’s begins to cater to more diverse audiences in search of new revenue.

The 1980’s The prosperity of the 80’s-early 90’s reflect the designer consciousness communicated through ads during this period.

The integration of TV into the home and the surge of new technology injects new life into advertising through cable and the infomercial.

The 1990’s-2000 The 90’s bring along new a new focus on youth advertising and the race to capitalize on the most influential communication source since the printed word - the internet.

2000-present Today’s ads are stylish, self aware and youth oriented - they are comfortable being ads.

Internet technology allows consumers to interact with each other, changing the concept of consumption and communication. The key is how to keep the audience involved.