Tabaco History

2. The first national settlement between tobacco companies and states is reached, with the companies agreeing to pay billions of dollars to fund anti-smoking campaigns.
3. The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act is passed, banning cigarette advertising on television and radio in the United States.
4. The American Tobacco Company is formed, becoming one of the largest tobacco companies in the world.
5. The first anti-tobacco society is formed in New York City.
7. The British government imposes heavy taxes on tobacco to fund the Seven Years' War.
8. The first "Smoking Prohibited" signs appear in offices and other public places.
11. The first link between smoking and lung cancer is published in the British Medical Journal.
12. Christopher Columbus and his crew members observe Native Americans smoking tobacco during their voyage to the Americas.
14. Sir Walter Raleigh brings tobacco to England and begins to cultivate it.
15. King James I publishes "A Counterblaste to Tobacco," criticizing the use of the substance.

1. The first lawsuits against tobacco companies are filed, claiming that the companies knew about the health risks of smoking but failed to warn consumers.
3. The first cigarette-rolling machine is invented, allowing for mass production of cigarettes.
4. The first tobacco plant is successfully grown in England.
5. The tobacco industry agrees to a national settlement of $206 billion to be paid to the states over 25 years.
6. The first anti-smoking laws are passed in San Francisco, prohibiting smoking in certain public places.
9. The first FDA regulation on tobacco products is implemented, giving the agency authority over tobacco advertising and sales to minors.
10. The U.S. Surgeon General releases a report linking smoking to lung cancer and other health problems.
12. The first cigarette factory is established in Seville, Spain.
13. The World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is adopted, becoming the world's first public health treaty.
14. Jean Nicot, the French ambassador to Portugal, sends tobacco seeds to France.