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# Pillars of Nazi Ideology **1. Social Darwinism:** * The Nazi ideology applied the theory of evolution to society. * People were divided into superior and inferior races. * Strong races were meant to prevail in the "struggle for existence," while weaker races were to be suppressed or eliminated....

# Pillars of Nazi Ideology **1. Social Darwinism:** * The Nazi ideology applied the theory of evolution to society. * People were divided into superior and inferior races. * Strong races were meant to prevail in the "struggle for existence," while weaker races were to be suppressed or eliminated. * This concept fueled racism and the idea of a ruthless struggle for survival. **2. Racial Antisemitism:** * Hatred of Jews was no longer based on religion but on biological traits. * Jews were blamed for societal problems and crises, like the Treaty of Versailles. * The Nazis used this as a scapegoat to incite fear and discrimination. **3. Anti-Communism and Anti-Democracy:** * Communism was viewed as a threat, and the Nazis labeled it as "Jewish." * Democratic systems were deemed weak and inappropriate for a strong race. **4. National Community and Leadership Cult:** * A unified German national community ("Volksgemeinschaft") was sought through unity. * A single leader ("Führer") was to take the forefront as a savior. **5. Lebensraum Theory:** * Germany needed more living space ("Lebensraum") in Eastern Europe. * Slavs were considered an inferior race and were to be dispossessed or enslaved. * This ideology served as a justification for the war against the Soviet Union. # Jewish History and the Development of Antisemitism in Europe **1. Golden Age of Jewish Communities:** * During the reign of Charlemagne and Henry IV, Jewish communities thrived and played an important role in the economy. * They held important positions as physicians, merchants, and advisors, and enjoyed relative safety. **2. Religious Persecution and the Crusades:** * The Crusades marked the start of a wave of persecution and massacre of Jews across Europe. **3. The Status of Jews in Europe:** * In the 13th century, Jews were legally designated as subjects of the monarchs. * They had to pay taxes and were subject to regulations, despite having formally recognized rights. **4. Expulsions and Ghettos:** * Jews were expelled from several European countries. * Forced to live in ghettos, they became isolated and subjected to restrictions. # Steps toward the Establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship **1. Transfer of Power:** * On January 30, 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, which initiated a period of political upheaval with no democratic election. **2. Consolidation of Power:** * Hitler organized new elections and began suppressing political opponents through repression and terror. * He aimed to eliminate political rivals and control all political power by force. **3. Restrictions on Freedom:** * In February 1933, an order was issued aimed at protecting the German people. Restrictions were imposed on the press and freedom of assembly, aiming to undermine the opposition. * A decree was issued following the Reichstag fire in February 1933 to crack down opposition parties more intensely. * The Reichstag fire was used as an excuse to arrest and eliminate political contenders. **4. Elections and Coalition:** * On March 1933, general elections took place. * The Nazi party, the NSDAP, received 44% of the votes and formed a coalition with the Nationalist Party (DNVP) to control the majority in the legislature. # NSDAP Program **Racial Ideology:** * Guest workers were subject to foreign regulations. * Only ethnic Germans could hold political positions. * Immigration of non-Germans was prohibited, particularly those who arrived after August 1914, when the first World War began. * Religious freedom was subject to the traditions of the Germanic race. **Antisemitism:** * Citizens with German blood could obtain citizenship. * Political positions were only open to citizens of German blood. * Religious freedom was limited. **Living Space (Lebensraum):** * A large German state was desired. * Rejoining territories that historically belonged to Germany was sought. * Dissolution of the Treaty of Versailles was an objective. * Colonization was aimed for.