Public relations (PR) began in the early 1900s as a way to manage the perception of companies and individuals in the public eye. The first professional PR firm, the Publicity Bureau, was founded in Boston in 1900. PR was initially focused on publicity and getting media coverage, but it quickly expanded to include other areas such as crisis management, reputation management, and stakeholder relations.

Edward Bernays, referred to as the "father of PR," was one of the most influential figures in the history of PR. He believed that PR could be used not just to promote products and services, but also to shape public opinion and behavior. Bernays successfully used PR to promote products such as bacon and cigarettes, and even convinced women to smoke in the 1920s through a campaign he dubbed the "Torches of Freedom." Bernays' legacy is still felt in PR today through his contributions to the development of propaganda techniques that are used not just in PR, but also in advertising, politics, and other fields.

As PR has evolved over the years, so too have the tools and methods used to communicate with the public. In the age of social media, PR professionals can now engage with stakeholders directly through platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This has led to a greater emphasis on transparency and authenticity in PR, as consumers are increasingly wary of traditional PR tactics like spin and deception. Despite these changes, the fundamental goal of PR remains the same - to create a positive image and reputation for the organizations and individuals it represents.