- After parting ways with his father in the 1930, Mars went to Europe and worked for the Nestle and Tobler companies. In 1940, Mars returned to the United States to begin his own candy business.
- While in Europe, Mars got an idea for a candy-coated chocolate treat that did not melt while eating. The idea is believed to have spawned from soldiers Mars observed eating chocolate during the Spanish civil war.
- In the early 1940s, Mars struck a deal to produce his new candy with Hershey's Bruce Murrie. The duo named the candy after their initials and gained a patent for the invention on March 3, 1941.
- According to the M&Ms official website, M&Ms were first distributed in 1941. The first M&Ms were given to American GIs who were serving in World War II. The first M&Ms were distributed in cardboard tubes.
- After World War II ended in 1945, M&Ms became available to the public. In 1948, the paper tube was replaced by the wrapper that is still used today. In 1954, peanut M&Ms were introduced along with the slogan: "The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand."
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Treat for Soldiers
A Public Treat
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