'An indispensable luxury': British American Tobacco in the occupation of Germany, 1945-1948

Author(s)
Kehoe, Thomas J
Greenhalgh, Elizabeth M
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
World War II devastated the international markets for British American Tobacco (BAT). This article uses new archival documents to show how BAT successfully navigated political and social obstacles in militaryoccupied Germany (1945–1948) to become the leading non-German tobacco concern in West Germany. It reveals BAT’s lobbying strategy used a ‘revolving door’ with the British and American occupation administrations and a targeted message that aligned with changing military priorities. This coordinated approach allowed BAT to overcome military resistance to big business, oppose high tobacco taxes, and push for greater foreign tobacco imports. It ultimately helped the company lay foundations for expansion.
Citation
Business History, 61(8), p. 1326-1351
ISSN
1743-7938
0007-6791
Link
Language
en
Publisher
Routledge
Title
'An indispensable luxury': British American Tobacco in the occupation of Germany, 1945-1948
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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