Nazism

Quick Facts: Who was Nazism?

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Nazism

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A far-right, ultranationalist ideology associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nazism, formally named National Socialism, is the far-right, ultranationalist, racist and totalitarian ideology associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP). It emerged in Germany during Hitler's rise to power and was frequently called Hitlerism. Nazism is a form of fascism that emphasizes pseudo-scientific theories of racial hierarchy which identify ethnic Germans and Nordic-Aryans as a master race. The term "neo-Nazism" is applied to far-right groups formed after World War II with a similar ideology. Nazism opposes liberal democracy and the parliamentary system.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

It advocates dictatorship, fervent antisemitism, anti-communism, anti-Slavism, anti-Romani sentiment, scientific racism, white supremacy, Nordicism, social Darwinism, homophobia, ableism, and eugenics. The Nazis sought to overcome social divisions and create a homogeneous German society based on racial purity. They aimed to unite all Germans living in historically German territory, gain lands for expansion under the doctrine of Lebensraum, and exclude those deemed either Community Aliens or "inferior" races (Untermenschen). The term "National Socialism" arose from attempts to create a nationalist alternative to Marxist socialism and free-market capitalism. Nazism rejected Marxist concepts of class conflict and universal equality, opposed cosmopolitan internationalism, and sought to convince the social classes in German society to subordinate their interests to the "common good".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Nazi Party's precursor, the German Workers' Party, was founded in 1919. In 1920, the party was renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party to appeal to left-wing workers, a renaming Hitler initially opposed. In Mein Kampf (My Struggle), Hitler outlined his antisemitism, anti-communism, and opposition to representative democracy, proposing instead the Führerprinzip (leader principle). Hitler's objectives involved eastward expansion of German territories, colonization of Eastern Europe, and an alliance with Britain and Italy against the Soviet Union. The Nazi Party became the largest party in the German parliament in the elections of 1932, but it did not have a majority.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1919: 1919 Milestone — The Nazi Party's precursor, the German Workers' Party, was founded in 1919.
2. 1920: 1920 Milestone — In 1920, the party was renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party to appeal to left-wing workers, a renaming Hitler initially opposed.
3. 1932: 1932 Milestone — The Nazi Party became the largest party in the German parliament in the elections of 1932, but it did not have a majority.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nazism

True or False: “The Nazi Party initially adopted the term 'Nazi' as its primary identifier while in power within Germany.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they briefly attempted to reappropriate the term, when in power, the Nazis typically referred to themselves as "National Socialists" and their movement as "National Socialism."

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adelina Patti — Historical peer (Died in 1919) (1919): Legendary Spanish-Italian soprano renowned for her bel canto technique and lyrical voice.
• Ahmed Abdallah — Historical peer (Born in 1919) (1919): Comorian politician who served as President of the Comoros from 1978 to 1989.
• Abraham Kuyper — Historical peer (Died in 1920) (1920): Influential neo-Calvinist pastor, journalist, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
• Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani — Historical peer (Born in 1920) (1920): Emir of Qatar (1960–1972) whose reign oversaw the nation's oil boom and independence.
• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nazism