The Disturbing History of Coca-Cola

Summary by Krater

An in-depth historical documentary tracing the rise of Coca-Cola from a nineteenth-century patent medicine to a global empire, exploring its marketing tactics, controversies, and political entanglements during major historical events.

From the video

Answers: What is the true history and controversial past of Coca-Cola?

• Coca-Cola history
• Patent medicine
• Advertising strategies
• World War II rationing and marketing
• New Coke launch and backlash

What it concludes

• Coca-Cola's early success relied heavily on medicinal marketing and associating the drink with patent medicines containing harmful ingredients like cocaine.
• Asa Candler scaled Coca-Cola's success through aggressive marketing, free sample coupons, and locking in bottling rights for a nominal fee of one dollar.
• During World War II, Coca-Cola lobbied the U.S. government to exempt its syrup from sugar rationing, associating the brand directly with the American war effort.
• Coca-Cola's rapid global expansion and aggressive marketing led to severe environmental and labor controversies, particularly in countries like India and Colombia.
• The launch of New Coke in 1985 was one of the biggest marketing blunders in corporate history, ultimately resulting in a massive public backlash and the triumphant return of Coca-Cola Classic.