Tobacco has a long history throughout the world.  It has changed and developed over many centuries and has affected millions of people.  No one knows when the smoking of tobacco's dried leaves began, but we do know that the ancient Maya and Aztec Indians of Central America smoked it.  In the sixteenth century the plant was used medicinally, but smoking tobacco for enjoyment was discouraged.  However, when the Spanish explorers discovered the weed, it did not take long for it to be introduced in Europe.  Tobacco originated in the form of pipe tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff.  Later, cigarettes were invented in Brazil to be used in Latin countries.  Tobacco has changed and spread.  It has led to new markets as well as been targeted by regulators.  As tobacco developed so did the research made available about it.  Health problems were discovered, but it was too late to stop the deadly substance.  Many nations that have developed in the Third World countries earn so much money form the tobacco trade that they are now dependent on the revenue they receive from it.  It would cost them too much to ban tobacco despite the health risks.  There is no safe way to take tobacco.  Simply switching from one type to another will only bring on another set of risks.  A large problem is present with the tobacco substance.  It is dangerous, but profitable.  As long as there is a large demand and money is made, tobacco will remain a part of life in societies across the world.

Early Tobacco Use (16th & 17th Centuries)
Middle Tobacco Use (18th & 19th Centuries)
Modern Tobacco Use (20th Century)
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Tobacco is a very complex issue, and this study is far from extensive.  The uses of tobacco have changed over the course of the last five centuries.  With each change in society, a change in the tobacco industry occurs.  When T.V. and Radio came into the picture, companies had a new way to advertise.  After abuses of different modes of advertisement regulations had to be made.  So developed tobacco.  It has been around so very long, and it is not going away any time soon.  As companies continue to target teenagers, tobacco will not fade away with the past as pinned up hair and ankle length dresses have.  Tobacco will not disappear until we decide, each person for himself, that we are better off without it.