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An intriguing 1935 propaganda travel map of Germany showcasing its beauty and culture, published by the Reichsbahnzentrale für den Deutschen Reiseverkehr and the German Railways Information Bureau, reflecting the regime's efforts to project a positive image in the lead-up to the XIth Olympic Games in Berlin.
This map, with its vibrant illustrations, was designed to promote Nazi Germany to an American audience in the lead-up to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The decorative border features alternating crests and the phrase "Beautiful Germany," while pictographs represent various cities, cultural activities, agriculture, and soldiers with Nazi flags. The historical context of this map is significant, as it captures a moment when Nazi Germany was intent on portraying itself favorably to the world, even as it prepared for its aggressive territorial expansion before and during World War II.
The detailed map is complemented by a decorative compass rose that highlights German industry, among other features. A smaller inset map shows Germany in red with a Nazi flag at its center, serving as a stark reminder of the regime's propaganda efforts and underlying ideologies. On the verso, there are additional maps depicting German rail and long-distance roads, as well as German air routes, providing practical information for potential travelers.
"Germany the Beautiful Travel Country" is a fascinating artifact from a turbulent period in history, offering insight into how the Nazi regime attempted to present itself on the global stage. This map, produced in collaboration between the Reichsbahnzentrale für den Deutschen Reiseverkehr Berlin W 35 and the German Tourist Information Office in New York City, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of propaganda, international relations, and cultural representation in the years leading up to World War II, while also serving as a cautionary example of the power of propaganda.
