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Nazism

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National Socialism, more commonly known as Nazism, is a political ideology and practice that dominated Germany politically and socially from 1933 to 1945, and that led to the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Nazism is a form of fascism, and it is characterised by dictatorial rule, the suppression of political opposition, extreme nationalism, militarism, and racism. The Nazi regime was responsible for the persecution and murder of millions of people, including Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and political dissidents.

History of Nazism

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National Socialism, more commonly known as Nazism, is a political ideology and practice that dominated Germany politically and socially from 1933 to 1945, and that led to the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Nazism is a form of fascism, and it is characterised by dictatorial rule, the suppression of political opposition, extreme nationalism, militarism, and racism. The Nazi regime was responsible for the persecution and murder of millions of people, including Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and political dissidents.

History of Nazism

The Nazi Party was founded in 1919 by Anton Drexler, but it was not until Adolf Hitler took over the leadership in 1921 that the party began to grow in popularity. Hitler was a charismatic speaker and he used his oratory to appeal to the disaffected German population that had been suffering from the economic and social upheaval of the Weimar Republic. The Nazis promised to restore Germany to its former glory and to make it a great power again. They also appealed to the German people's sense of nationalism and to their fear of communism. In 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and he quickly moved to establish a dictatorship. He suspended all civil liberties, banned all political parties except the Nazis, and created a secret police force. The Nazis began to persecute their political opponents and to round up Jews and other minorities for imprisonment or execution. In 1939, Hitler ordered the invasion of Poland, which started World War II.

The Holocaust

The Holocaust was the systematic genocide of the European Jews during World War II. The Nazis murdered approximately six million Jews, which represented two-thirds of the Jewish population of Europe. The Holocaust was carried out in concentration camps and gas chambers. The victims of the Holocaust included men, women, and children. The Nazis also murdered millions of other people, including Roma, homosexuals, political dissidents, and prisoners of war. The Holocaust was a crime against humanity and it is one of the darkest chapters in human history.

The Defeat of Nazism

The Nazis were defeated in World War II in 1945. The Allied Powers, which included the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, defeated the Nazis and liberated Europe from their control. After the war, the Nazis were put on trial for their crimes against humanity. Many of the Nazi leaders were executed or imprisoned. The Nuremberg Trials were held to prosecute the Nazi leadership for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other crimes. The trials were a landmark event in international law and they helped to establish the principle that individuals can be held responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Legacy of Nazism

The legacy of Nazism is a complex one. On the one hand, the Holocaust is a reminder of the horrors that can occur when racism and hatred are allowed to flourish. On the other hand, the Nazi defeat is a testament to the power of resistance and to the resilience of the human spirit. The memory of the Holocaust is a reminder of the importance of fighting against tyranny and oppression.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Nazism.
This acclaimed biography of Hitler provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of one of the most evil men in history. Kershaw draws on a wide range of sources, including Hitler's own writings, to provide a chilling and unforgettable portrait of the Nazi dictator.
This massive and authoritative work is considered the definitive history of the Holocaust. Hilberg provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Nazi genocide, from its origins to its aftermath.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive history of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1939. Evans examines the political, social, and economic developments of the period, and provides a vivid and authoritative account of the Nazi regime.
This sweeping history of Nazi Germany provides a comprehensive overview of the rise of Hitler, the Third Reich, and its eventual downfall. Written by an acclaimed journalist who witnessed the events firsthand, it offers a unique and valuable perspective on this dark chapter in history.
This controversial book argues that the Holocaust was not simply the work of a few Nazi leaders, but rather the result of the widespread anti-Semitism and hatred among ordinary Germans. It provides a provocative and disturbing look at the role of the German people in the Holocaust.
This authoritative history of the Holocaust provides a comprehensive and accessible account of this horrific event. It draws on a wide range of sources, including eyewitness testimony, and provides a chilling account of the suffering and death of millions of people.
This classic work of political philosophy examines the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of the chief architects of the Holocaust. Arendt argues that Eichmann was not a monster, but rather a banal bureaucrat who simply followed orders.
This comprehensive history of Nazi Germany provides a detailed and up-to-date account of the Third Reich. Burleigh draws on a wide range of sources, including archival material and eyewitness testimony, to provide a vivid and authoritative account of this dark period in history.
Examines the origins of Nazi violence, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century. Gellately argues that Nazi violence was not simply a product of Hitler's madness, but rather the result of a long process of radicalization and dehumanization.
Examines the economic history of Nazi Germany. Tooze provides a detailed account of the Nazi economy, from its origins to its collapse, and argues that the Nazi regime was ultimately defeated by its own economic policies.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive history of the SS, the elite guard of the Nazi regime. Höhne examines the SS's role in the Holocaust and other Nazi atrocities, and provides a chilling account of its brutality and inhumanity.
Examines the resistance to Nazism in Germany. Hoffmann provides a comprehensive account of the various forms of resistance, from passive resistance to armed resistance, and assesses the impact of the resistance on the Nazi regime.
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