In the pre-World War I era, advertising practitioners attempted to make their craft a profession. Generally agreeing that the creation of ethical codes was the most important step toward professionalism, practitioners organized the Associated Advertising Clubs of America (AACA). Early journal articles and AACA proceedings indicate that practitioners were motivated by social status and economic self-interest in their quest for professionalism. The development of advertising ethics was tied to interconnected political, economic, and cultural motivations. Practitioners formed political groups to influence other political groups and various government bodies, and created economic groups to protect and solidify their financial relationships with clients and publishers. Practitioners thus hoped that professional ethics would enhance their collective power and improve their potential for gain and social respectability. (Author/DF)