System dynamics is a powerful methodology and computer simulation modeling technique for framing, understanding, and discussing complex issues and problems. Originally developed in the 1950s to help corporate managers improve their understanding of industrial processes, system dynamics is currently being used throughout the public and private sector for policy analysis and design. In this chapter, we provide some context for this book by presenting a general history of the field. The land-mark models presented in this chapter will give the reader an idea of the types of issues/problems that can be explored using system dynamics.