Nazism or "National Socialism" refers to the politics of the dictatorship which ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945, "the Third Reich." The dictator Adolf Hitler rose to power as leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). Nazism has been outlawed in modern Germany, although remnants known as Neo-Nazis continue to operate.
Ideological Theory
According to Mein Kampf, Hitler developed his political theories by observing the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He believed ethnic and linguistic diversity had weakened it, and saw democracy as destabilizing. The center of the ideology is the concept of race — the theory that the "Aryan race" is a "master race" superior to others, and that great nations grow from military power, which grows from rational, civilized cultures created by races with aggressive, intelligent traits.
Nazism and Romanticism
According to Bertrand Russell, Nazism comes from a different tradition than liberal capitalism or communism, rooted in the irrationalist tradition of the romantic movement. Strength, passion, traditional family values and devotion to community were valued by the Nazis. Many historians argue that the antisemitic element was adopted by Hitler to gain popularity, as antisemitic prejudice was common in the German Empire.
Economic Theory
Nazi domestic economic policy focused on eliminating unemployment, ending hyperinflation, and expanding consumer goods production. Between 1933 and 1936, German GNP increased by an average of 9.5% annually. However, as this production was primarily consumptive, inflationary pressures returned. Internationally, the party believed an international banking cabal was behind the global depression.
Nazism and Fascism
Nazism may be considered a subset of Fascism, featuring complete government control of finance, industry, and agriculture, yet retaining corporate power and market-based pricing. As Mussolini stated: "Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of State and corporate power."