American Tobacco and European Comsumers

The reading, American Tobacco and European Consumers, demonstrates that the Chesapeake were built on tobacco. The Chesapeake thrived on the growth of their tobacco because many people are willing to buy it. The Eastern side of the Atlantic, and the Europeans desire and addiction to tobacco was the only reason it had commercial value. Some Europeans hated tobacco, most commonly King James I. King James I noted that it was not healthy and harmful to your body. Most people, excluding King James, loved tobacco. The physicians thought of tobacco as being a wonder drug, when the Spaniards brought it to them, because of the effect the drug had on people. As we all know, tobacco is highly addictive and gives you a "joyous intoxication," causing them to want and need it even more.

Although tobacco was addictive and in high command, it was expensive in the 1600's. This was true due to the amount of tobacco growth. Tobacco was scarce, and as the amount of tobacco that was being produced in the 1700's grew, the price reduced. American tobacco became the first product to be highly consumed by the Europeans. Smoking became the most common thing to do. It became a part of their culture, and every day life.