Nazi

Nazi Germany Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP)
1933–1945
Motto: "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer"
Anthem: "Horst-Wessel-Lied"
Capital	Berlin
Common languages	German
Government	Totalitarian dictatorship
Führer
• 1934–1945	Adolf Hitler
Legislature	Reichstag
Historical era	Interwar period / World War II
• Adolf Hitler appointed Chancellor	January 30, 1933
• Surrender of Nazi Germany	May 8, 1945
Currency	Reichsmark
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:DE |DE ]]
Preceded by Succeeded by Weimar Republic Allied-occupied Germany

Nazi Germany, officially known as the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP), was a totalitarian regime that ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. Led by Adolf Hitler, the party's rise to power marked the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in world history, characterized by the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust.

Ideology

The ideology of Nazi Germany was based on the principles of National Socialism, which combined elements of nationalism, racial purity, anti-Semitism, and anti-communism. Central to Nazi ideology was the belief in the racial superiority of the Aryan race and the need for living space (Lebensraum) for the German people.

Rise to Power

The Nazi Party's ascent began in the early 1920s, gaining significant popularity during the economic hardships of the Weimar Republic. Hitler's charismatic leadership and the party's promise to restore Germany's former glory resonated with many disillusioned Germans. In 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and he quickly consolidated power by eliminating political opposition and establishing a dictatorship.

Government and Structure

The government of Nazi Germany was a totalitarian dictatorship that relied heavily on propaganda, mass surveillance, and the suppression of free speech. The regime controlled all aspects of life, including the media, education, and the arts, to enforce its ideologies and maintain control over the populace.

World War II and the Holocaust

Under Nazi rule, Germany initiated World War II with the invasion of Poland in 1939. The war led to the occupation of much of Europe and was marked by unprecedented atrocities, including the systematic genocide of six million Jews and millions of others in what is now known as the Holocaust.

Downfall

The tide of the war turned against Germany as the Allied forces gained ground on both the eastern and western fronts. The regime finally collapsed in 1945 when Berlin was captured by Soviet troops, and Hitler committed suicide.

Legacy

The legacy of Nazi Germany is overwhelmingly negative, marked by the immense human suffering caused by its policies and military aggression. The Nuremberg Trials post-war helped to bring many of its leaders to justice, establishing a precedent for international law and human rights.