Rise of Nazism: Causes, Impact, Fascism vs Nazism Differences Explained

Learn the reasons behind the rise of Nazism in Germany, its impact on World War II, the Holocaust, and global politics. Explore similarities and differences between Fascism and Nazism, and how totalitarianism shaped 20th-century history.

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Nazism emerged in Germany during the interwar period, fueled by economic crisis, political instability, and disillusionment with democracy. Led by Adolf Hitler, it combined nationalism, militarism, and racial ideology, reshaping global history.

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.

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.

Conclusion

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



Rise of Nazism: Causes, Impact, Fascism vs Nazism Differences Explained FAQs

Economic depression, fear of communism, weaknesses of the Weimar Republic, and Hitler’s charismatic leadership enabled the rise of Nazism.

Hitler projected himself as a strong nationalist leader, promising jobs, stability, and restoration of German pride, which attracted mass support.

Nazism led to economic reconstruction, military rearmament, World War II, the Holocaust, and unprecedented global destruction.

Nazism emphasized extreme racism and racial superiority of Germans, while Fascism focused more on territorial expansion and state supremacy.

Both shared extreme nationalism, expansionism, one-party totalitarian rule, hostility towards communism, and emphasis on military power.


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