Public relations has transformed from ancient persuasion techniques to a sophisticated professional discipline that shapes how organizations communicate with their audiences. While most textbooks trace the modern PR profession to the establishment of the “Publicity Bureau” in Boston in 1900, the art of managing public perception and influencing opinion dates back to ancient civilizations. From Julius Caesar’s strategic use of newsletters to highlight military victories to today’s social media campaigns, PR has consistently evolved to meet the communication needs of each era.
This fascinating journey reveals how public relations became an essential business function, adapting to technological advances while maintaining its core mission of building relationships and managing reputation. Understanding this evolution helps us appreciate how PR professionals continue to navigate the complex world of modern communication.
Ancient Origins: The Foundation of Persuasion
The roots of public relations extend far beyond the 20th century, with evidence of systematic communication strategies found in ancient civilizations. Aristotle’s Rhetoric established core foundations for persuasion that remain relevant today. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs used monumental inscriptions to glorify their reigns and influence public opinion, while Greek Sophists taught the art of persuasion as traveling philosophy teachers. These early practitioners understood the fundamental principle that would define PR: controlling narratives to influence collective opinion.
In Britain, religious evangelicals and Victorian reformers pioneered systematic public relations, particularly in the movement to abolish slavery. The Society for Causing the Abolition of the Slave Trade, established in 1787, used books, posters, and public lectures to rally support for their cause. These organized advocacy efforts demonstrated how strategic communication could drive social change.
The Birth of Modern PR: 1900-1920s
History of Public Relations (Image via Getty)The establishment of the Publicity Bureau in Boston in 1900 marked the founding of the modern public relations profession. This milestone represented the transition from informal influence tactics to structured, professional communication services. The early 1900s saw the emergence of two pivotal figures who would shape the industry’s foundation.
Ivy Ledbetter Lee, often considered one of PR’s founding fathers, revolutionized corporate communication when John D. Rockefeller hired him in 1903. Lee’s “Declaration of Principles” emphasized that the public deserved accurate, timely information about company actions. His approach included having Rockefeller visit coal mines and interact with miners, successfully improving his public image. In 1906, Lee wrote what many consider the first press release, responding to a railway crash in Atlantic City on behalf of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Edward Bernays introduced the “two-way street” concept between companies and the public in his influential book “Crystallizing Public Opinion”. Bernays emphasized accountability and transparency, moving away from the deceptive practices often associated with early publicity efforts. His integration of behavioral psychology, influenced by his uncle Sigmund Freud, brought scientific understanding to PR methods.
Professional Development and Global Expansion
World War I served as “modern propaganda’s launching pad,” as governments used sophisticated communication strategies to rally domestic support and influence public opinion. This period demonstrated PR’s power on a massive scale and led to more sophisticated commercial applications as PR talent entered the private sector in the 1920s.
The profession’s international expansion accelerated after World War II, with American companies spreading PR practices to Europe through subsidiaries established under the Marshall Plan of 1948-1952. By the end of the 1920s, major corporations like General Motors and AT&T began relying on internal PR counselors.
Digital Revolution and Modern PR
The second half of the 20th century marked an era of professional development, with trade associations, PR news magazines, international agencies, and academic principles being established. The internet’s arrival in the 1980s dramatically transformed PR practices, shifting from traditional print, radio, and television to digital platforms.
The early 2000s brought social media press releases, and by 2006, the impact of social media and internet technologies became broadly accepted. Today’s PR professionals leverage content creation, influencer partnerships, and real-time engagement to build brand relationships in ways unimaginable to early practitioners.