National Socialist is an ideological term that refers to a political movement and system of governance based on the principles of nationalism and socialism. The term originated in Germany in the early 20th century and is most commonly associated with the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler's regime in pre-World War II Germany.
National Socialism combines elements of extreme nationalism and socialist economic policies. Nationalists emphasize the loyalty and devotion to one's country, often glorifying its culture, heritage, and traditions. Socialists, on the other hand, advocate for a system that promotes social equality, collective ownership of production, and the welfare of all citizens.
The National Socialist ideology promoted the idea of a racially pure and unified German nation, often at the expense of other ethnic and religious groups. It aimed to establish a totalitarian state with absolute power and control over all aspects of society. The economic policies implemented under National Socialism included state control of major industries, a planned economy, and the rejection of capitalism.
The National Socialist movement rose to power in Germany during the 1930s, and its doctrines and policies led to the persecution and mass extermination of millions of people during the Holocaust. Following World War II, National Socialism became widely discredited due to its association with the atrocities committed by the Nazi Party.
The term "National Socialist" has its etymology rooted in two main sources: "national" and "socialist".
The term "national" refers to the concept of a nation, derived from the Latin word "natio", meaning "birth" or "origin". Throughout history, the idea of "nation" has evolved to represent a community of people who share common cultural, historical, or linguistic traits.
The term "socialist" originates from the concept of "socialism", which emerged in the 19th century and refers to the economic and political theory advocating for collective or state ownership and control of the means of production. The term itself can be traced back to the French word "socialisme", coined by Pierre Leroux in the 1830s.