Question about Germany's Nazi party

[phusion]

Hey all,

So...I guess I don't know this part of history too well, but I'm a little confused.

The German Nazi Party (that is, the party that rose up under Hitler) is, of course, short for National Socialists.

Yet, many times they are referred to as Fascists.

The problem is, aren't "National Socialists" far to the left of the political spectrum while Fascists are considered far right?

I can see them being call Totalitarians, but why Fascists?

Thx!

[jpgray]

1. Using the term "socialist" was primarily a marketing decision

Their politics were informed by alliances with big business, religion and the "free market"--all essentially traits of a right-leaning ideology.

[SmileyBoy]

2. They were "socialists in name only".

They were far from being actual socialists. The "Socialist" name was nothing but PR. There's the belief that when the Nazi Party first started out, there were actual left-wing socialists (in fiscal terms only), like Joseph Goebbels, and Anton Drexler. But after Hitler put his foot down on party happenings, they became just fascist, but the socialist name stayed.

[htuttle]

3. They were never, ever socialists

It was in their name, but from day one they were in league with the industrial powers to control the government.

And that, my friend, is the textbook definition of fascism.

The Nazis tried to ally with the Western powers (the ones that they didn't want to fight, ie., UK and US) time and time again by suggesting they both join the fight against 'communists'. They were as right wing as they come.

Don't be fooled by mere labels -- for example, just because Bush calls one of his environment-destroying policies the Clear Skies initiative does not mean it will clear the skies.

[proud patriot]

4. 14 reasons to call them Fascists

http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm

go here and learn about the 14 reasons :hi:

[phusion]

9. Yea, I've read that...

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[Joe Chi Minh]

10. So, you should

have asked, "But why 'Socialist'"?

You do, indeed, seem a little confused, so I hope you won't mind our taking you to task here. Why were you persuaded that that was the least likely possibiilty, given that one of Hitler's key policy planks, as touted to the industrialists/corporatists of the degenerate West (who generally worshipped Hitler until he was perceived as a threat) was precisely that he he saw Communism as the arch-enemy?

And are you not aware that mendacity and bad faith are just as pre-eminent characteristics of the far-right as shamelessness?

[proud patriot]

12. Kinda reminds me how bush uses "compassion" in his rhetoric

he's never really compassionate yet people are still
fooled into thinking bush is a man of faith.

when he doesn't even attend church:crazy:

[phusion]

15. Just a confusion on labels, that's all...

You're right, I was confused.

But, I should not have been surprised by the perversion of labeling to garner popular support (i.e. Clear Skies Initiative).

[RUDUing2]

5. I think you are confusing National and Democratic Socialist...

[Lautremont]

6. It was to placate a couple of the original members,

who were socialists and wanted the party to be socialist, and Hitler just went "Sure guys, whatever you say," to keep them off his back.

[Up2Late]

7. Yes, you are correct

But this type of "New Speak" is exactly what George Orwell was thinking of, when he wrote his book "1984." The Nazi's were Right-wing Fascist's This type of thing was meant to confuse the folks, like those at the "Free Republic" web site.

I just heard this mentioned on the Radio, a few days ago, I'll let you know when I figure out where.:smoke:

[denverbill]

8. The Nazi's weren't socialists.

It's not much different from totalitarian states that call themselves 'Republic', as in 'People's Republic of China'. It's a buzzword and little else. Practically every party in Europe at the time called itself socialist, regardless of their actual goals and actions.

Hitler was a nationalist and capitalist. He banned union and jailed union leader, intellectuals, communists, and liberals. He had the full support of Germany's industrial barons, landed gentry, and bankers, who all fared richly under his protection.

About the only 'Socialist' type of activity he did was related to the military. He increased military spending and spent tons of money building roads to improve the flow of military goods across Germany.

Frankly, Hitler and Bush would get along beautifully on policy issues. Belligent nationalists, anti-communist, unilateralist, etc.

[aden_nak]

11. It's a lot like "Compasionate Conservative".

[proud patriot]

13. Exactly ....Used for the same purpose

x(

[Up2Late]

16. I figured this one out last year

I think * just mis-spoke, it's not "Compassionate Conservative," but rather "Compassion Conservative.":think:

Make more cents now, doesn't it?

Also, is this the proper spelling for this usage of Cents?:shrug:

[Cleita]

14. They were a worker's socialist party before Hitler turned

them into fascists. When he was asked to address the small fringe party as a guest speaker at one of their meetings, he saw an opportunity to implement his ideas that he eventually set forth in "Mein Kampf". It wasn't long before the original membership left, but appealing to workers and paying lip service to them increased Hitler's ranks. It was pure propaganda of course.

[Swede]

17. "Republican" by definition opposes royalty,but you wouldn't know it,

judging by Bush's inauguration.

[DrWeird]

18. Yeah, you should study some more history.

The National Socialists were extreme right wing. In fact, the opposition party, which they destroyed, was called the Democratic Party.