Revitalizing the image of a country following the horrors of war is a colossal task, to say the least, and post-war Germany is in a category all its own. Pairing an innocent-looking “peasant girl in native costume” with descriptions of marvelous scenery, plentiful food, and “warm-hearted hospitality,” Germany hoped to shine a new light on international tourism with this 1951 ad, just 6 short years after World War II came to an end. While the effect wasn’t immediate, it does seem as though these ads had a positive impact. Come 1953, Western Germany’s leisure travel capacity returned to pre-war levels, and 1960 ushered in a new era of European international tourism.

FUN FACT: During war years -1914-1918 and 1939-1945-, the German Oktoberfest did not take place. The sale of authentic Oktoberfest beer was also not permitted. (Source: Oktoberfest Goodyear)