The American Tobacco Company

The American Tobacco Company, founded in 1890, was a major U.S. tobacco firm that controlled much of the cigarette industry through mergers and acquisitions. It became a dominant force by consolidating competing brands, producing popular cigarettes like Lucky Strike. In 1911, it was found to have a monopoly and was ordered to break into smaller companies. Today, its legacy continues as part of larger tobacco corporations, but it played a key role in shaping tobacco industry practices and marketing strategies in the early 20th century.