Nazism and Fascism were forms of racial and political ideologies, which trace their foundation to the 20th century and were reinforced by Adolf Hitler of Germany and Benito Mussolini of Italy respectively.
National Socialism or Nazism was a racial philosophy practiced by the Nazi Party of Germany around 1933 to 1945. Nazism was pegged upon the principle that the German Aryan community was biologically and superior to all other races in the world (Vasey, 2006). In addition, the Nazi philosophy strongly believed in a pyramid format leadership structure with Adolf Hitler-The Fuhrer, as the ultimate head whose word was final. They also resented western capitalism and social stratification, as they believed in racial unity. To achieve racial advancement and fulfillment, the Nazi believed in territorial extension, an idea behind Germany’s initiation of the world wars.
The fascist ideology was coined and reinforced in Italy by Benito Mussolini between 1919 and 1945 with its core dogma being Unification. Essentially the Fascist ideology was more political than racial in nature since it sought to unite all elements of a society into a solid wholesome state (Vasey, 2006). This ideology subscribed to the Doctrine of Fascism- a document considered authoritative by the fascists, who believed in nationalism, absolutism and armed forces strength. Overall, the fascist ideology believed that the state was the all-important, all mighty, and any other individual or religious values came second.
In retrospect, Nazism and Fascism appear almost similar but a closer look into the two ideologies reveal a remarkable elemental difference. Nazism appeared to champion the notion of racial superiority above all else, while Fascism was more focused on social, economic and political integration of the society to achieve a stronger and more solid state under a dictatorship.
References
Vasey C., M. (2006). Nazism and Fascism Ideology. New York: Xlibris Corporation.
