By the early 1900s, advertising was a significant part of American culture and commerce. It had deep roots, with newspapers featuring advertisements dating back to the 1700s. This practice expanded with the inclusion of ads in magazines, reflecting the growing importance of marketing in society.
One notable moment in advertising history occurred in 1741 when Benjamin Franklin placed the first magazine advertisement, which aimed to find a runaway slave. This highlights the innovative spirit of the time and the various roles that advertising played in different social contexts.