Definition of Nazism

Nazism, also known as National Socialism, was a far-right political ideology and movement that originated in Germany. It was led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) from 1933 to 1945.[1]

Nazism is a complex ideology, but it can be defined by several key characteristics:

The Term "Nazist"

1. Totalitarianism: Nazism advocated for a totalitarian form of government, where the state controlled all aspects of life, including the economy, culture, and personal lives of citizens.[1]
2. Extreme Nationalism: Nazism promoted intense German nationalism, emphasizing the superiority of the German "race" and the need for territorial expansion (Lebensraum).[2]
3. Racism and Antisemitism: A core tenet of Nazism was the belief in a racial hierarchy, with the "Aryan" race (specifically, Germans) at the top. It was virulently antisemitic, blaming Jews for Germany's problems and advocating for their persecution and ultimately, their extermination.[1]
4. Anti-Communism: Nazism was strongly opposed to communism and Marxism, viewing them as threats to the nation and the racial purity of the German people.[2]
5. Cult of the Leader: Nazism centered around the charismatic leadership of Adolf Hitler, the Führer, who was seen as the embodiment of the nation's will.[1]

The term "Nazist" is a variant of "Nazism" and "Naziism," and is less commonly used. It can refer to:

Nazism emerged in post-World War I Germany, drawing on various intellectual and political currents:

Origins and Development

• A person who advocates Nazism: The term "Nazist" can be used to describe someone who supports or promotes the ideology of Nazism.[4]
• A distinction between Nazis and Nazists: The term is occasionally used to differentiate between those who were actual members of the Nazi Party (Nazis) and those who advocate Nazism in general (Nazists).[4]

Impact and Legacy

• German Roots: It was rooted in the Prussian tradition, political romanticism, and the 19th-century adoration of science and the laws of nature.[2]
• Influence of Key Figures: Figures like the comte de Gobineau, Richard Wagner, and Houston Stewart Chamberlain influenced early Nazism with their claims of racial and cultural superiority of the "Nordic" (Germanic) peoples.[2]
• Adolf Hitler's Role: Adolf Hitler became the leader of the Nazi Party and transformed it into a mass movement. He aimed to lead the German "master race" to victory in the "racial struggle" against "inferior" peoples, especially the Jews.[5]
• Rise to Power: The Nazi Party gained power in Germany in 1933, exploiting the economic depression and political instability of the Weimar Republic.[1]

Nazism had a devastating impact on Germany and the world:

Therefore, the term "Nazist" can be defined as referring to someone who supports or advocates Nazism, or to draw a distinction between those who were actual members of the former Nazi Party (Nazis) and those who advocate Nazism in general.

• Persecution and Genocide: The Nazi regime persecuted Jews and other minority groups, culminating in the Holocaust, the systematic murder of approximately six million Jews.[1]
• World War II: Nazi expansionist policies led to World War II, a global conflict that resulted in tens of millions of deaths and widespread destruction.[1]
• Post-War Consequences: After Germany's defeat, the Nazi Party was outlawed, and many of its officials were convicted of war crimes. However, neo-Nazi movements continue to exist on the fringes of politics in many Western societies.[1]