Nazism is a specific form of fascism that emerged in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s under the leadership of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party. Nazism was headed by Adolf Hitler, who became the German Chancellor in 1933 and went on to become the dictator of Germany until his death in 1945.
Characteristics of Nazism
- Aryan Supremacy: The Nazi ideology promoted the idea of the supposed superiority of the Aryan race, which was seen as a pure and noble race that needed to be protected and preserved.
- Totalitarianism: Nazism was a totalitarian political system, in which the state had complete control over all aspects of society, including the economy, the media, and individual rights.
- Führerprinzip: Nazism was led by a single, charismatic leader, who held absolute power and was seen as the embodiment of the will of the people. Adolf Hitler was the Führer of Nazi Germany.
- Propaganda: The Nazis used propaganda extensively to shape public opinion and promote their ideology. They controlled the media and used rallies, posters, and films to spread their message.
- Anti-Semitism: The Nazi regime was notoriously anti-Semitic, and it promoted the idea that Jews were responsible for many of the problems facing Germany. This led to the implementation of policies aimed at the extermination of six million Jews during the Holocaust.
- Militarism: The Nazi regime pursued a policy of aggressive expansionism, which led to the outbreak of World War II. The military was seen as the ultimate expression of German power and strength.
- Eugenics: The Nazis promoted the idea of eugenics, or the selective breeding of humans to create a superior race. This led to policies aimed at sterilizing or eliminating individuals deemed “unfit” or “inferior”.
Fascism vs Nazism
| Fascism | Nazism |
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