Stamps reflect contemporary ideas and events, and none more so than those at the end of the Second World War. They were seen by all governments as an invaluable means of publicity, promotion and persuasion. Skilfully designed and eye-catching, they reveal how the years 1944 to 1949 were decisive in reshaping Europe after Germany's defeat. Not only did countries have to reconstruct shattered economies, rebuild devastated cities, and relieve widespread distress, but many underwent radical political realignments. Successive sets of stamps clearly depicted these events and, very significantly, the ideologies underpinning them.