History of advertising

The primary focus of this text is advertising^[1]. Advertising is a type of communication approach aimed at convincing a targeted audience or market to perform a certain action, which could range from buying a product or service to adopting a specific viewpoint. The history of advertising is extensive and diverse, tracing back to various cultures and civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Pompeii, Arabia, Rome, Asia, Africa, and South America. It has seen significant evolution through different periods, with the 16th to 19th centuries witnessing the emergence of newspapers, magazines, trade cards, and business cards. The 20th century marked a period of substantial growth for the advertising industry, particularly in the United States and Canada, fueled by numerous innovations in advertising methodologies and tactics. Despite its notable social and cultural impact, advertising has faced several regulations and constraints due to its potential effect on society. Currently, advertising is undergoing further evolution, transitioning towards digital platforms and tailored strategies.

History of advertising (Wikipedia)

The history of advertising can be traced to ancient civilizations. It became a major force in capitalist economies in the mid-19th century, based primarily on newspapers and magazines. In the 20th century, advertising grew rapidly with new technologies such as direct mail, radio, television, the internet and mobile devices.

Between 1919 and 2007 advertising averaged 2.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product in the United States.^{[citation needed]}