Nazism, formally known as National Socialism, is a far-right, totalitarian socio-political ideology associated primarily with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in Germany during the early to mid-20th century
. It is a form of fascism characterized by extreme nationalism, dictatorial leadership, and rejection of liberal democracy and parliamentary systems
. Key features of Nazism include:
- Racist and antisemitic beliefs : Nazism promoted the idea of a racial hierarchy, identifying ethnic Germans as part of a supposed Aryan or Nordic "master race" and viewing Jews and other groups as inferior or dangerous "enemies"
- Totalitarian control : The Nazis established a one-party state under Hitler's absolute leadership, enforcing strict obedience and suppressing all political opposition
- Anti-communism and anti-socialism : Although the name includes "socialism," Nazism rejected Marxist socialism and instead sought to unify society under nationalist and racial lines, subordinating individual and class interests to the state and the "common good"
- Expansionism and militarism : The ideology emphasized territorial expansion (Lebensraum) to provide living space for Germans, leading to aggressive foreign policies that contributed to the outbreak of World War II
- Social policies based on eugenics and social Darwinism : Nazism advocated for racial purity and used pseudo-scientific racism to justify persecution, including the Holocaust, where six million Jews and millions of others were systematically murdered
Nazism emerged after Germany's defeat in World War I, drawing on nationalist, racist, and militaristic traditions, and was influenced by earlier right-wing paramilitary groups
. It combined radical nationalism with a rejection of rationalism, liberalism, democracy, and human rights, emphasizing obedience, violence, and the supremacy of the Aryan race
. After Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945, Nazism was discredited and outlawed in many countries, but neo-Nazi groups with similar ideologies have persisted into the present
. In summary, Nazism is a totalitarian, racist, and nationalist ideology that led to devastating consequences in history, including World War II and the Holocaust
