Were the Nazis Socialists in Name Only?

Introduction

The rise of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in early 20th-century Germany was not without complexities. Contrary to popular belief, this party initially embraced socialist ideas while maintaining an explicitly fascist ideology. This article delves into the nuanced nature of the NSDAP and its relationship with socialism, focusing on key facets of the party's development and the rise to power.

Origins and Early Goals

Following World War I, the NSDAP was a relatively small political party that sought to attract the working class and unionists. Its early manifesto incorporated socialist ideals, positioning it as a voice for social reform in Germany. Adolph Hitler, initially trained as a propaganda agent by the military, was sent to spy on and sabotage this party. However, he quickly rose through the ranks, leading the party and shifting its ideological focus to more extreme and totalitarian forms of nationalism and anti-capitalism.

Socialist Ideology in the NSDAP

While the NSDAP was not ideologically socialist, there were prominent members within the party who advocated for socialist reforms, particularly the Strasser brothers. The Strasser brothers, Otto and Gregor, published a newspaper called Nationaler Sozialist in Berlin, which propagated their version of Nazism. This included nationalism, anti-capitalism, social reform, and anti-Westernism. Goebbels, another key figure in the party, expressed irritation at the success of the Strasser newspapers, admitting that their success impacted his own Berlin papers.

Conflicts and Political Maneuvering

In August 1932, Hitler was offered the post of Vice-Chancellor by then-Chancellor Franz von Papen at the request of President Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler unfortunately turned down the offer but faced pressure from the Strasser brothers to enter into a coalition government. Hitler, however, viewed this as a position that would undermine his authority, and he demanded that Strasser refuse a position. At a meeting of Nazi Reichstag members, Hitler forced his supporters to denounce the Strasser brothers and publicly support him.

The Decline of Strasser and the Struggle for Power

Strasser resigned from his party offices on December 8, 1932, just seven weeks before the NSDAP gained political power. During this period, Hitler took over the role of Reichsorganisationsleiter and eventually passed it to Robert Ley. Hitler's consolidation of power led to the Night of the Long Knives, where the entire SA leadership was purged in a series of brutal arrests and executions.

Strasser's Assassination and Historical Context

Strasser's fate was sealed when he was killed in the purge, likely due to his potential as a political enemy of Hitler and top Nazis like Himmler and Gring. Historian Richard Evans speculates that Strasser was offered a position by the conservative Weimar government, a move that could have turned him into a rival. Strasser was shot in his cell and left to bleed to death because of orders from SS General Reinhard Heydrich, a move that took almost an hour. His brother Otto had already emigrated in 1933, long before the purge.

Conclusion

The NSDAP's journey from socialist aspirations to extreme fascism underscores the complexity of political movements. While socialist ideas played a role in the party's early formation, the ultimate goal was a totalitarian state under Hitler's rule. This historical episode serves as a critical reminder of the dangers of extremist political ideologies.