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Three Peoples – Three Friends – One Will for Peace! 

This mid-20th-century pictorial map highlights the geopolitical and industrial landscape of Central Europe during the early part of the Cold War. The map was published under the authority of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), specifically through its Agitation, Press, and Broadcasting Department.

The map focuses on the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), Poland, and Czechoslovakia, emphasizing the cooperation between these Eastern Bloc nations under Soviet influence during the Cold War.

The map is a striking example of political propaganda from this era, designed to visually reinforce the unity and shared goals of these nations. It is richly illustrated with colorful symbols representing various industries, such as metal and machinery production, coal mining, chemical plants, shipyards, and agriculture. These symbols correspond to a legend on the right side of the map, which categorizes key sectors, ranging from textile industries and ore mining to agriculture and automobile production.

The flags of East Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia are strategically placed over their respective territories, reinforcing the notion of solidarity among these socialist states. Major cities like Berlin, Warsaw, and Prague are marked, and the infrastructure connecting them—such as railways and industrial centers—is highlighted to underscore the interconnectedness of these economies.

The map’s backdrop is filled with small illustrations representing everyday life, natural resources, and cultural landmarks. The green fields, forests, and mountains emphasize the region’s agricultural wealth, while factories, refineries, and mining operations focus on its industrial strength.

The lower left corner features a caricature of Western figures, capitalists and Nazis, shown being expelled from the depicted area, symbolizing the ideological and political divide between the socialist bloc and the capitalist West. The motto at the bottom, “Three Peoples – Three Friends – One Will for Peace!,” reinforces the message of unity, peace, and mutual cooperation.

This map serves as both a geographical tool and a piece of visual propaganda, showcasing the economic and political integration of Eastern Europe under the influence of Soviet socialism during the post-war period. Its colorful and detailed illustrations make it a vivid example of Cold War-era cartographic art.

Rarity

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