Nazism

CONTENT

• Meaning of Nazism
• Characteristics of Nazism

MEANING OF NAZISM

Nazism can be defined as a system of government whereby the state has absolute control over the cultural, social, economic and political activities of the people, including their fundamental human rights being denied. Nazism is an ideology of the National Socialist Party (NAZI) of Adolf Hitler who ruled Germany from 1933-1945. It believed in the superiority of the German race rather than an individual.

CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES OF NAZISM

• Totalitarianism: Nazism is a brand of totalitarianism in which the state has absolute control over everything and the state is seen as having solutions to all problems facing the state.
• One Party System: There is the existence of only one political party e.g. Nazist political party.Leaders of the political party are also leaders of government.
• One Ideology: There is the existence of a single ideology, that is, Nazism.
• Government controls the economy centrally.
• Government owns and controls mass media.
• Government owns and controls schools, including tertiary institutions.
• Labour union/pressure groups are not tolerated or allowed.
• The rule of law and fundamental human rights are not respected.
• Powers and authority were concentrated on the leader and his will must become laws. This makes him dictatorial.

EVALUATION QUESTION

• What is Nazism?
• Mention five features of Nazism.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QWUESTIONS

1. Discuss the concept of totalitarianism.
2. Discuss the following (i) government as an institution of the state (ii) government as an act of governing.
3. State 5 functions of government.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Which of the following concept is out of place? A. Fascism B.WelfarismC. Nazism D. Nazism
2. Adolf Hitler ruled Germany from A. 1932-45 B. 1946-1945 C. 1933-1945D. 1940-1948
3.  Nazism is the ideology of A. communist eastB. Germany C. socialist west D. Italy
4. The following are the features of Nazism except A. two party system B. single ideology C. absence of pressure groupsD. there is one party system
5. Who is regarded as the father of communism A. Karl Marx B. Adolf Hitler C. V.I. LeninD. Plato

THEORY

1. Compare and contrast socialism and capitalism.
2. Would it be correct to describe Nazism as a form of totalitarianism?

READING ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC: MONARCHY

Comprehensive Government Pages 40-42

Essential Government Pages 47-51