Nazism was a far-right, totalitarian political ideology and practices associated with the Nazi Party in Germany. It championed extreme nationalism, racial supremacy, and antisemitism, leading to the systematic persecution and murder of millions.
History
1918-1923: Beer Hall Putsch
The origins of Nazism can be traced to post-World War I Germany, a period marked by economic hardship, political instability, and resentment over the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, emerged from this volatile environment, gaining support by promoting a radical nationalist agenda. The name "Nazi" is an abbreviation of "Nationalsozialist" (National Socialist), reflecting the party's full name. In contrast, "Sozi" was a common, often derogatory, abbreviation for "Sozialdemokrat" (Social Democrat), a term used to refer to members of social democratic parties. During this period, the party attempted the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, a significant event in its early history.
1923-1933
Following the Beer Hall Putsch, the Nazi Party rebuilt and expanded its influence. Hitler used his trial to gain national notoriety and re-established the party on a legal footing. Through effective propaganda, mass rallies, and the paramilitary intimidation of the SA (Sturmabteilung), the party rapidly grew. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 further fueled their rise, as widespread unemployment and economic despair pushed many Germans towards extremist parties. The Nazis exploited this instability, promising national revival and blaming internal and external enemies. They gained significant electoral successes in the Reichstag elections of the early 1930s, becoming the largest party by 1932, which paved the way for Hitler's appointment as Chancellor.
1933-1945
In 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor, quickly dismantling the Weimar Republic and establishing a totalitarian dictatorship. Once in power, the Nazis implemented policies based on racial ideology, particularly antisemitism and the concept of an "Aryan" master race. They systematically persecuted Jews, Romani people, Slavs, homosexuals, disabled people, and political opponents. The regime also pursued aggressive expansionism, culminating in the invasion of Poland in 1939, which triggered World War II. During the war, the Nazi regime orchestrated the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of approximately six million Jews, alongside millions of other victims. Nazism's rule ended with Germany's defeat by the Allies in 1945.
Ideology
At its core, Nazism was defined by several key tenets that drove its political agenda and actions.
Racial Supremacy and Antisemitism
Central to Nazi ideology was a virulent doctrine of racial supremacy, which posited an "Aryan" master race and condemned other groups as inferior. While ideas of a "chosen nation" or distinct group identity have historical precedents, Nazism uniquely combined this with a pseudo-scientific biological racialism and an exterminationist intent. This differed significantly from religious or cultural concepts of a "chosen people," such as those associated with Zionism, which are based on a shared heritage or religious belief rather than biological superiority or a doctrine of annihilation. This was primarily directed at Jewish people, with antisemitism being a fundamental and driving force, leading to systematic persecution, dehumanization, and ultimately genocide. Romani people and Slavs were also targeted as racially inferior.
Nationalism and Lebensraum
Nazism championed extreme nationalism and the concept of the German "Volksgemeinschaft" (people's community), a racially pure and unified national body. This ideology strove for territorial expansion and Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, seen as essential for the survival and prosperity of the "Aryan" race.
Totalitarianism
Nazism embraced totalitarianism, demanding absolute obedience to the state and its leader, Adolf Hitler. It suppressed all political dissent, dismantled democratic institutions, and persecuted political opponents. The ideology was strongly anti-communist and anti-democratic, advocating for a single-party rule and complete state control over all aspects of life.
