Fascism and Nazism: Key Differences and History

Fascism vs. Nazism

Fascism and Nazism are often considered to be the same or at least refer to the same ideologies. However, the two are entirely dissimilar from each other. This is despite the fact that they are both totalitarian ideologies, are closely related in design, and both sprung up after the First World War in Europe.

What is Fascism?

Fascism is defined as a form of radical authoritarian, strict, and controlling ultra-nationalism that is usually characterized by forcibly suppressing an opposition front, assuming dictatorial powers, and strongly regimenting the society and its economy.

Fascism sprung to popularity around the early 20th century during the time of Benito Mussolini. Benito was the Italian leader by the time the ideology was born (around 1919). The ultimate intention of the campaign was to create a close national community, especially in Italy, and form an all-powerful and authoritarian state that could intervene in people's lives everywhere.

The ideology was characterized by:

• Glorified violence
• Strong collectivism
• Anti-democracy
• Anti-liberalism
• Anti-communism

What is Nazism?

Nazism is a political ideology that arose in Germany and was parallel with Benito Mussolini's fascism. Also referred to as National Socialism, Nazism was championed by Adolf Hitler, who is famously known as the world's strongest dictator, who led to the death of over 20 million people and the Second World War during his time.

The name Nazism is derived from Adolf Hitler's political party, the Nazi Party. The ideologies started gaining momentum in the 1920s and were based on antisemitism and biological racism.

Adolf Hitler is documented to have initiated it in a move to remove or do away with the Jews who were living in Germany then. This saw about six million Jews, Gypsies, Slavs, and other victims get killed in what is now called The Holocaust.

Nazism was characterized by extreme:

• Nationalism
• Dictatorship
• Racism
• Expansionism
• Religious and racial expulsion
• Antisemitism

Difference Between Fascism and Nazism

Fascism originated in Italy in 1919, led by Benito Mussolini, while Nazism sprung up in Germany in 1920. The latter was led by Adolf Hitler, the then leader of the Nazi party, where the name Nazism is derived from.

Nazism extolled the purity of the blood and race of the Aryan people to show proof of 'white superiority.' Fascism did not have such racial ideologies.

Nazism saw the death of people in the millions, while the number was smaller under Fascism. Benito's administration saw atrocities in the thousands.

Nazism had a greater ideological penetration, which meant it was deep-rooted, broader, and much stronger. Fascism, on the other hand, had less expansive ideologies, which meant it was not as broad as Adolf's Nazism.