The History of Public Relations

The History of Public Relations

The act of public relations dates back to 52 B.C.E. in ancient Rome and continues on

today all around the world. Public relations is defined as the controlling factor that searches to

form and maintain relationships between organizations, profit or non-profit and the public that

are beneficial for both parties (Bates). The age of public relations as a profession evolved in the

20th Century, mainly in the United States, but its foundation can be followed throughout the age

of man. The practice of public relations is dedicated to complete honesty and openness in its

communications and operations. Over time, the force of professional public relations has

triumphed over several setbacks.

Arthur W. Page, creator of the five principles of corporate public relations in 1927 stated,

“All business in a democratic country begins with public permission and exists by public

approval. If that be true, it follows that business should be cheerfully willing to tell the public

what its policies are, what it is doing, and what it hopes to do. This seems practically a duty.”

Page’s principles still carry on today with many businesses and corporations.

Page and other renown public relations professionals such as Edward Bernays, founder of

modern public relations, believe that pr and civilization is a collaboration that exists throughout

time. As far back as the time of Julius Caesar, many historians believe the he wrote his
Commentaries as governor of Gaul to promote himself to the public. Caesar, being aware of

persuasion and how news can inform the public, published a daily paper called Acta Diurna,

meaning “daily acts” or “daily records”, that carried on for 400years. Since the invention of

writing, public relations was formed. Leaders of ancient civilizations used writings to promote

their superiority in war and politics. Public interest became a huge priority for everyone.

The Renaissance and Reformation founded the modern world and the first stages of

public relations that is attributed to public and private organizations today and several articles of

history. The Magna Carta, which influenced the U.S. Constitution, for example, empowered the
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organizations, and other institutions, is the public. PR has made its way through history and has

satisfied its place or role, if any, in the world today.

“The three main elements of public relations are practically as old as society: informing

people, persuading people, or integrating people with people. Of course, the means and methods

of accomplishing these ends have changed as society has changed.”

- Edward Bernays, founder of modern public relations

Bibliography

Don Bates, “MINI-ME” HISTORY TO INFORM AND PERSUADE: Public Relations from the Dawn of Civilization, Institute for public relations, www.instituteforpr.com, July 18, 2005.

Edward L. Bernays, Crystallizing Public Opinion (1923; reprint ed., Norman, OK.: University of Oklahoma Press, 1961).

Edward L. Bernays, Public Relations (Norman, OK.: University of Oklahoma Press, 1952)

Scott Cutlip, Public Relations History: From the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Century (Mahwah, NJ.: Lawrence Erlbaum & Associates, 1999).

Public Relations Society of America, Public Relations Education for the 21st Century: A Port of Entry, PRSA, www.prsa.org, July 19, 2005.