NAZISM

Mains Marks Booster 4th August 2023

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Reasons for Rise of Nazism:

Great Depression and economic turmoil and Fear of communism and political polarization:
Role of Hitler: Hitler presented himself as a charismatic, strong leader and tapped into German nationalism, offering solutions to the economic and social challenges faced by the country.
Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic: The Weimar Republic, established after World War I, faced numerous challenges and weaknesses. Political instability, economic hardships, and social unrest created a disillusioned and disenchanted population.
- The failure of the democratic system to effectively address these issues created a vacuum that allowed for the rise of extremist ideologies like Nazism.

Impact of Nazism:

Reconstruction and economic policies: Hitler implemented state programs to reconstruct the German economy, focusing on full production, employment, and economic self-sufficiency.
- This included public works projects, military rearmament, and centralized control over key industries.
World War II: In 1939, Germany's invasion of Poland sparked the beginning of World War II.
Tripartite Pact and international power: The signing of the Tripartite Pact between Germany, Italy, and Japan further solidified Hitler's claim to international power and influence.
Holocaust: The systematic persecution and extermination of six million Jews.

Conclusion

Nazism provides a living example of the totalitarianism and authoritarianism which can inevitably lead to loss of world peace and millions of lives.

Similarities Between Fascism & Nazism

Extreme Nationalism: emphasis on building greatness and prestige of the State. For eg. Hitler offered to build Germany into a great power creating a ‘German Reich’.
Expansionism: Acquisition of new territories. For eg. Italy acquisition of Abyssinia, Hitler’s vision of creating ‘Lebensraum’ (living space) for the citizens though addition of new territories.
One-Party Rule & Totalitarian system of Government: It gradually transformed from "one party rule" to "one man rule", with emphasis on the cult of the leader.
Extreme hostility towards Communism: both Mussolini and Hitler captured power with a promise to uproot Communism/Socialism.
Economic self-sufficiency: This was considered essential for greatness of state. Thus, economy was completely regulated and State supported the ideas of capitalism, mercantilism and colonialism.
Military strength and violence: Expansionist ideas and totalitarian state necessitated huge spending.

Difference between Fascism & Nazism

Extreme Racism: Nazism was based on racial superiority of Germans. This concept was absent in Fascism.
More brutal and ruthless: Nazism was more brutal towards other races, especially Jews. Mussolini focused on territorial expansion rather than creation of ethnically ‘clean’ Italian state.
Absence of accountability: In Fascism, Mussolini was questioned and controlled to some extent by the monarch or the Pope, but under Nazism there was no authority above Hitler.
Degree of success: Nazism was more deep rooted and more efficient in terms of dealing with economy, unemployment etc.