National Socialism (Germany)

Definition

National Socialism, also known as Nazism, was a political ideology that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. It combined elements of nationalism, racism, and totalitarianism, and led to the establishment of the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler.

Analogy

Think of National Socialism like a toxic smoothie. The ingredients - nationalism, racism, and totalitarianism - are all harmful on their own. But when blended together under Hitler's rule, they created an even more dangerous concoction that led to World War II and the Holocaust.

Related terms

Fascism: A political philosophy that advocates for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader with severe economic and social regimentation.

Third Reich: The Nazi designation of Germany and its regime from 1933-45. Historically it denotes the Nazi state as the third German empire or 'Reich', succeeding the Holy Roman Empire (1st Reich) and the German Empire (2nd Reich).

Holocaust: The systematic state-sponsored killing of six million Jewish men, women, and children by Nazi Germany during World War II.