Nature of Nazi Ideology

Nazi ‘Worldview’

Weltanschauung - comprehensive ideology centred on racial supremacy, nationalism and authoritarianism

What did the Nazis call their ideology (other than weltanschauung)

National Socialism

Objectives of Nazis

1. Abolish ToV

2. Restore German economy and achieve economic self-sufficiency

3. Rebuilding military strength

4. Providing employment and security for Germans - through self-sufficiency (autarky)

Autarky?

Self sufficiency (specifically economic) - not reliant on international relations

• Germany strong and stable enough to support and build itself

Nazi ideology on international relations

ONLY to advance German interests

• no diplomacy

• Despised LoN and similar organisations/initiatives

Hitlers role and worldview

Fuhrer -

1. Germany in danger from communists and Jews

2. Racial superiority of Aryan Race

3. Social darwinism (some people - Aryans - are innately better than others and should have more power)

4. War and expansion - for Germany to reinvent and develop

5. Strong Germany - to achieve: all German speaking united in one country and ToV abolished

6. Germany to increase German living space ‘lebensraum’

Was ideology expressed in much detail

No, not articulated in much detail as other political doctrines - but loosesly defined in Hitlers autobiography Mein Kampf (1924) and the NSDAPs 25 Point Program (1920)

In many ways Nazi ideology was defined by ______ who ______

By Hitler who expressed it in his speeches, orders and policies

How did Hitler strategically use the fluidity and lack of concrete ideology, according to some historians

Because Nazi ideology was only documented vaguely or in general terms, Hitler was free to interpret or re-invent it as he saw fit.

Authoritarianism

Nazis desired strong gov and extensive state power - decisions made by fuhrer

‘Leader principle’ - core tenet of NAzi ideology

Fuhrerprinzip - fuhrer is above all written law, all policies, decisions and offices work towards the realisation of the will of the fuhrer

• Fuhrer is trusted by the people to make important decisions on their behalf

Totalitarianism

State power had few limits - governments duty not just to devise policy but to shape, coordinate and regulate society, for the betterment of society

Volk?

Volksgemeinschaft - concept of a ‘people’s community’ - reinforced the view that German people were racially pure and united against the common enemy - Jews and communists

Ideology at its core - racist, biological, antisemitic and ultranationalist

What did H believe about Jews

Inferior race, set out to weaken other races, particularly destructive to Aryan Race

Hitler was extreme _____

Nationalist - believing German ‘Aryan race’ should dominate

How did H want to ensure Germany was united and would become the strongest nation on earth

Creating generation of physically fit and totally obedient young aryans - through H youth and Young maidens programs etc