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

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.