Tobacco companies used to rule the market with backing from government entities, but are now subjected to numerous restrictions and flat-out bans.
The U.S. has far fewer smokers today than during the mid-20th century. Despite the consumer dropoff, companies continue to spend billions of dollars on advertising and marketing for cigarettes and other tobacco products.
What forces propelled Big Tobacco to its height of popularity? What led to its eventual downfall? What role did citizen nonsmokers play?
Will vaping and e-cigarettes experience the same life cycle?
Guest: Sarah Milov, author of "The Cigarette: A Political History"and assistant professor of history at the University of Virginia
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Monday, December 16.
