Nazism

Definition

Nazism, or National Socialism, is a totalitarian ideology that emerged in Germany during the early 20th century, characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. It gained prominence under Adolf Hitler's leadership in the 1930s and led to aggressive expansionist policies that significantly influenced interwar foreign relations and contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nazism arose in the aftermath of World War I, capitalizing on Germany's economic difficulties and national humiliation due to the Treaty of Versailles.
2. The Nazi Party promoted militarism and sought to expand Germany's territory through invasion and annexation of neighboring countries.
3. Key tenets of Nazism included the belief in racial purity, which justified horrific policies like the Holocaust, aiming to exterminate Jews and other groups deemed 'undesirable.'
4. Hitler's foreign policy included the rearmament of Germany, violation of the Treaty of Versailles, and ultimately the invasion of Poland in 1939, triggering World War II.
5. The Nazi regime implemented aggressive propaganda campaigns to spread its ideology and gain public support for its militaristic and expansionist goals.

Review Questions

• How did Nazism impact Germany's foreign relations during the interwar period?
  • Nazism fundamentally altered Germany's foreign relations by promoting an aggressive nationalist agenda that sought to overturn the post-World War I settlement. The regime's rearmament efforts and expansionist policies strained relations with neighboring countries and led to increased tensions across Europe. This culminated in acts of aggression such as the remilitarization of the Rhineland and the annexation of Austria, which challenged the existing balance of power and contributed to a climate that ultimately fostered World War II.
• What role did propaganda play in the spread of Nazi ideology during the interwar years?
  • Propaganda was crucial for the Nazis in spreading their ideology and garnering support among the German populace. The regime employed various media forms, including films, posters, and rallies, to promote messages of racial superiority, anti-Semitism, and national pride. By controlling information and manipulating public perception, the Nazis were able to create a unifying narrative that justified their policies and actions, thereby facilitating their rise to power and subsequent military aggression.
• Evaluate how Nazism's totalitarian nature influenced its approach to governance and foreign policy during its rule.
  • Nazism's totalitarian nature enabled it to exert complete control over German society, politics, and economy, which directly influenced its governance strategies and foreign policy. The regime suppressed dissent through state-sponsored violence and propaganda, ensuring that all aspects of life aligned with Nazi ideals. This centralization allowed for swift decision-making regarding military actions and territorial expansion, resulting in aggressive foreign policies that sought Lebensraum (living space) for Aryans. This combination of domestic control and militaristic ambition set the stage for widespread conflict across Europe during World War II.

Related terms

Fascism: A political ideology that emphasizes authoritarian nationalism and centralized control, often associated with dictatorial power and suppression of dissent.

Anti-Semitism: Hostility or prejudice against Jewish people, which was a central component of Nazi ideology and policy.

Third Reich: The official name for Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, which sought to establish a totalitarian state under Hitler's rule.