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 was primarily propagated by the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) under Adolf Hitler, which came to power in 1933 and led Germany into World War II through aggressive expansionist policies. The invasion of Poland in 1939 was a direct result of Nazi ideology, as it sought to reclaim lost territories and assert German dominance in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nazism promoted the idea of Lebensraum, which called for the expansion of German territory to provide space for its growing population and to ensure national prosperity.
2. The Nazis implemented a systematic plan of anti-Semitic policies that led to the persecution and genocide of six million Jews during the Holocaust.
3. Hitler's regime heavily utilized propaganda to manipulate public opinion and foster an environment of fear and obedience among the German populace.
4. The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the official start of World War II as it prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
5. Nazism's emphasis on militarism and aggressive foreign policy directly contributed to widespread destruction and loss of life across Europe during the war.

Review Questions

• How did Nazism influence Germany's foreign policy leading up to World War II?
  • Nazism significantly influenced Germany's foreign policy by promoting aggressive expansionist aims based on the idea of Lebensraum. This ideology justified the annexation of territories such as Austria and Czechoslovakia before the invasion of Poland. The desire for territorial expansion was rooted in the belief in Aryan superiority, leading to conflicts with neighboring countries that ultimately resulted in the outbreak of World War II.
• Evaluate how Nazi ideology contributed to the social structure in Germany during Hitler's rule.
  • Nazi ideology created a rigid social structure that prioritized loyalty to the state and adherence to racial purity. The regime instilled a sense of superiority among Aryans while dehumanizing minorities, particularly Jews. Through state-sponsored propaganda and education, Nazism shaped societal norms, promoting conformity and discouraging dissent. This restructuring allowed the regime to maintain tight control over public life and facilitate widespread discrimination.
• Analyze the consequences of Nazism's aggressive policies on Europe following the invasion of Poland.
  • The consequences of Nazism's aggressive policies were devastating for Europe after the invasion of Poland. It not only led to the immediate start of World War II but also caused widespread suffering, destruction, and loss of life across multiple nations. The war resulted in significant geopolitical changes, including the eventual division of Europe during the Cold War. Additionally, Nazi policies contributed to horrific human rights violations, culminating in the Holocaust, which had lasting impacts on global attitudes towards human rights and genocide prevention.

Related terms

Fascism:

A political ideology that emphasizes authoritarian nationalism and often involves dictatorial power, suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

Aryan Race: A racial classification used by Nazis to describe people of Northern European descent whom they deemed superior and considered the ideal race.

Gestapo:

The secret police of Nazi Germany, responsible for enforcing Nazi laws, suppressing dissent, and conducting investigations into anti-Nazi activities.