The Golden Age of Advertising: The 50s

As McCarthyism swept across the United States and capitalism was king, white America enjoyed a feeling of pride and security that was reflected in advertising. Carelessly flooding society with dangerous misinformation, companies in the 50s promoted everything from vacations in Las Vegas, where guests could watch atomic bombs detonate, to cigarettes as healthy mood-enhancers, promoted by a baby who claims his mother feels better after she smokes a Marlboro.



In this 25th anniversary special edition, you ll find ads for cars, travel, technology, liquor, cigarettes, movies, appliances, furniture, war bonds, toothpaste, you name it—the full spectrum of products and services available to the eager American consumer. These ads portray an accurate picture of the colorful capitalism that dominated the spirit of the 50s. Bursting with fresh, crisp colors, these ads have been digitally mastered to look as bright and new as the day they first hit the newsstands.