National Socialism: The Loss of Individuality

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National Socialism: The Loss of Individuality

National Socialism in Germany between 1933 and 1945 offered no room for individuality. The unification of Germany and the purification of the Arian race did not allow for the citizens in Nazi Germany to have any singularity. The rise of National Socialism was due to many linked motivations, from the disgrace that the Germanys were feeling after their defeat in the First World War, to the racism against the Jews that plagued all of Europe.

After World War One Germany was demolished, both economically and agriculturally. Then, under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was charged with sole responsibility for the war, and was forced to pay costly reparations. This all added to the desperation of the country to form a stronger country. Germany would soon be one of the most powerful states in the world.

The National Socialist, in their struggle to rebuild their country and its unity, had two goals. First, they promised to rid the state of national disgrace and desperation. This promised to be completed in a brief period of time. The National Socialist of Germany thought that the sooner it could get back on its feet, the sooner it could become the strongest power in the world. The second goal was to get rid of the absolute monarchy. This was so important to the plan for Germany that they were not concerned whether it be done legally or not. (Dulffer 16-17)

In The Enabling Act of 1933 Adolf Hitler, the nationalist leader, was granted dictatorial powers, ending the Weimar Republic. This began the dictatorship that would change the course of history. Hitler (for more information click on picture) gave the members of the Nazi party high...

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... camps. This illustrates the power that the National Socialist had in keeping individuality restrained for the “good” of the community.

National Socialism between 1933 through 1945 was a breakdown of individualism. The Nazi control of German unified a country, while tearing apart a world. The reasons for the rise of this totalitarian state are vast, but closely linked together. Through the disgrace of the First World War, and the desperateness of Germany to find a scapegoat, millions of lives were taken for the “common good” of the Aryan race in Germany.

Bibliography

- Abel, Theodore. Why Hitler Came to Power. London: Hrvard Collage, 1966.

- Duffer, Jost. Nazi Germany 1933-1945 Faith and Annihilation. New York: St. Martin's

Press, 1992.

- Mosse, George L. The Crisis of German Ideology. New York: The University Library,

1964.

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