.... The rise of the British Empire from the Industrial Revolution until its peak in 1950 coincides with the acceptance of tobacco smoking. Prime Ministers and diplomats were depicted holding their favorite pipe whereas captains of industry savoured their cigars. Then we were in safe hands, unlike today, where Prime Ministers must be seen outside a church and lesser politicians to be riding bicycles. No longer are there smoke-filled rooms where our leaders can plan policies or brilliant market deals.
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