key term - Nazism (Germany)

Definition

Nazism, or National Socialism, was a totalitarian ideology and political movement led by Adolf Hitler in Germany from the 1920s to the end of World War II in 1945. It emphasized extreme nationalism, racial purity, anti-Semitism, and the establishment of a dictatorial regime. This ideology profoundly shaped Germany's actions and policies during World War II, leading to aggressive expansionism and the perpetration of the Holocaust.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nazism promoted the idea of Aryan supremacy, believing that Germans were part of a 'master race' destined to rule over others.
2. The Nazi regime implemented extensive propaganda to manipulate public opinion and promote its ideologies, using mass rallies, films, and posters.
3. Nazi Germany pursued aggressive territorial expansion, leading to the invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of World War II.
4. The regime enacted the Nuremberg Laws in 1935, which stripped Jews of their citizenship rights and laid the groundwork for future discrimination and violence.
5. Resistance against Nazism included various groups, both within Germany and occupied territories, but was often met with brutal repression by the state.

Review Questions

• How did Nazism's emphasis on racial purity influence Germany's policies during World War II?
  • Nazism's focus on racial purity led to the implementation of discriminatory policies targeting Jews and other minority groups. This ideology justified violent actions such as the Holocaust, where millions were systematically exterminated under the belief that they threatened the Aryan race. The regime's policies also fostered a culture of dehumanization that permeated German society, influencing military conduct and civilian attitudes towards occupied peoples.
• In what ways did the Weimar Republic's challenges contribute to the rise of Nazism in Germany?
  • The Weimar Republic faced numerous challenges including hyperinflation, political extremism, and social unrest, which created widespread disillusionment among the German populace. Many citizens viewed the democratic government as weak and ineffective in addressing these crises. This environment allowed extremist parties like the Nazis to gain support by promising strong leadership and radical solutions to restore national pride and stability.
• Evaluate the impact of Nazi propaganda on public perception and support for the regime during World War II.
  • Nazi propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public perception by promoting the regime's ideologies and justifying its actions. The extensive use of media helped create a cult of personality around Hitler and fostered nationalistic fervor among Germans. By framing their military aggression as necessary for survival and expansion, propaganda helped garner widespread support for war efforts. However, this manipulation also led to complicity in horrific acts like the Holocaust, as many were conditioned to accept extreme measures against perceived enemies.

Related terms

Fascism:

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe, emphasizing strong centralized control, militarism, and the suppression of opposition.

Holocaust:

The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime during World War II.

Weimar Republic: The democratic government in Germany established after World War I, which faced significant political instability and economic challenges, paving the way for the rise of Nazism.