What is the Difference Between Nazi and Neo-Nazi?

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The main difference between Nazis and Neo-Nazis lies in their historical context and the specific ideologies they promote.

Nazis were members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) during the 1930s and 1940s in Germany. They were characterized by their fascist ideology, belief in the supremacy of the Aryan race, and their hatred for Jews, whom they considered the largest threat to Germany and the Aryan race.

On the other hand, Neo-Nazis are modern-day groups that emerged after World War II and are inspired by the NSDAP's ideology. They borrow many elements from traditional Nazism, such as extreme nationalism, violent xenophobia, and the admiration for Adolf Hitler. However, Neo-Nazis focus more on white power or the power of white-skinned people, as opposed to the Nazis' obsession with the Aryan race.

Both Nazis and Neo-Nazis share a common ground in their fascist ideologies and their belief in racial supremacy. However, the specific ideologies and their historical contexts set them apart.

Comparative Table: Nazi vs Neo-Nazi

The main difference between Nazism and Neo-Nazism lies in their historical context and the specific beliefs and ideologies they represent. Here is a table highlighting the differences:

Feature Nazism Neo-Nazism
Definition Nazism refers to the political, social, and economic doctrines and policies of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) in Nazi Germany before and during World War II. Neo-Nazism is a post-World War II ideology that encompasses several contemporary fascist, nationalist, white supremacist, and antisemitic beliefs and political tendencies of various groups.
Historical Context Nazism emerged in the 1920s and 1930s in Germany, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP. It led to World War II and the Holocaust. Neo-Nazism appeared after World War II, as offshoots of Nazism, and has evolved into a variety of right-wing, nationalist, and white supremacist movements and organizations.
Ideology Nazism focused on a stratified economy with social classes based on merit and talent, retaining private property, and the creation of national solidarity that transcends class distinction. Neo-Nazis repackage their beliefs as forms of "White Nationalism" or "White Separatism," hiding their underlying racist and antisemitic messages.
Symbols Nazis used specific colors (black, white, and red) and symbols, such as the swastika, to represent their ideology. Neo-Nazis may use the same or similar symbols, but they also develop new symbols and terminology to represent their beliefs.
Violence and Extremism Nazism was responsible for millions of deaths during World War II and the Holocaust, including genocide, war crimes, and the systematic extermination of Jews, Roma, and other minority groups. Neo-Nazi movements have also been associated with violence, hate crimes, and terrorism in various forms.

In summary, while both Nazism and Neo-Nazism share some common beliefs and ideologies, they differ in their historical contexts, specific goals, and the methods they use to achieve their objectives.