Ideology: A statement of broad principles and vision for the future
Key questions to consider when analyzing the ideology of a leader:
- What ideas are proposed?
- What issues or grievances do they address?
- Do they represent a new form or structure for the society?
- Do they introduce entirely new concepts, values or goals to the society?
- Have they been inspired by a particular individual, school of thought or philosophy?
- How relevant or effective are they in attracting support within the local, regional and international community?
- Is it revolutionary, visionary, or inspirational?
- Can it inspire support, cause excitement? Does it appeal to broad sectors of society? Who does it attract?
- Which groups in the society will feel challenged or threatened by the new ideas?
Adolf Hitler will forever be known for his involvement in WWII, cause of the rise to racism in Germany and of course, the Holocaust. Nazi ideology isn't something that just fell upon him however, but rather he created it with his basic values which were created for various reasons throughout his lifetime. Nazism consisted of many aspects brought about by Hitler in his 25-Point Program and writings in his book, Mein Kampf.
When Adolf Hitler was first put in the public spotlight after his arrest for the beer-hall Munich Putsch, he was exposed as a possible leader for a country in devastation and destruction. People began paying more attention to what the Nazi party had to say. Hitler's 25-Point Program became more noticed. This 25-Point program was developed in February of 1920 by Hitler and DAP leader Drexler. It consisted of many ideas such as unity of the German people... but only true blood German people; no Jews; Germans have the right to vote/only citizens, therefore no Jews could vote either; land and territory expansion -- for the citizens; equal rights and duties of citizens; first duty must be mental and physical -- for the greater good of the community; and of course, the elimination of the Treaty of Versailles. Conveniently enough (for Hitler), shortly after the 25-Point Program was composed, Germany had three major crises which took place in 1923. First there was the occupation of the Ruhr Industrial District, which then led to the second crisis: hyperinflation. Finally there was the Munich Putsch, which failed.
Germany was clearly in distress and needed a solid leader to guide them out of trouble. While spending time (a short time) in prison because of his arrest in Munich, Hitler dictated his book Mein Kampf. This book was a solid telling of all of his ideology for the Nazi party. In basic summary, he wrote of war propaganda, the causes of Germany's collapse, nation and race, and foreign policy. However where did his radical ideas for Nazism come from? Hitler grew up feeling alone and isolated. His father and mother both past away when he was young. While he was a shy and awkward boy, he admired power and success. Some of the skills that he possessed while growing up consisted of his commitment, energy and single-mindedness. He [Hitler] knew how to capture a crowd and tell them what they wanted to hear; he was a demagogue.
Between the ages of 18 and 24, Hitler drifted around, slumming in Vienna, and even living in a Jewish quarter. During this time, many of his basic ideas were developed. These basic ideas were as follows: anti-semitism -- Hitler thought that Jews were ruining purity of German blood; pan-Germanism -- thought that Germans should unite; spread; and expand; anti-Marxism -- Hitler was not a fan because Marx was a non-religious Jew, he had hostility toward him; anti-democracy -- thought that government should be one party, one idea, and have one powerful leader; anti-capitalism -- he often times criticized big businesses; and socialism -- he was against Marxism, but for national community. It's safe to say that Hitler had these ideas clear to himself before he helped develop the 25-Point Program or wrote Mein Kampf. Hitler seized his first opportunity of a large public leadership title in 1920, when he helps with the creation of the DAP turning into the NSDAP. Using his powerful skills and abilities, he spoke to large crowds and gained membership.
