What is the Difference Between Nazism and Communism?

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Nazism and Communism are two distinct political ideologies that have some similarities but also significant differences. Here are the main differences between them:

  1. Scope: Stalinism, and communist ideology in general, is universal in its appeal and addresses itself to all the "workers of the world." Nazism, on the other hand, is focused on one particular race or nation, i.e., the "master race" that is destined to dominate all others.
  2. Class Struggle: Communism is centered on the class struggle, with the goal of eliminating the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class. Fascism, including Nazism, stops the class struggle and makes all classes work together under a strong leader.
  3. Race: Nazism emphasizes the superiority of a specific race (e.g., Aryans) and seeks to eliminate or subjugate other races (e.g., Jews, Blacks). Communism, on the other hand, is focused on the struggle between social classes (e.g., workers and capitalists) and does not prioritize race as a primary factor.
  4. Totalitarianism: Both Nazism and Communism share similarities in their totalitarian nature, seeking to establish total control over society through systematic aggressions and the persecution of ideologically defined adversaries. However, the specific targets and methods of control may differ based on the ideology.
  5. Private Property: In a communist state, private property is prohibited, whereas in Nazism, private property is allowed but subject to state control.

In summary, while both Nazism and Communism share some similarities in their totalitarian nature and focus on societal control, they differ significantly in their emphasis on race, class struggle, and the scope of their ideologies.

Comparative Table: Nazism vs Communism

Here is a table comparing the differences and similarities between Nazism and Communism:

Feature Nazism Communism
Economic System Private ownership of the means of production Collective ownership of the means of production
Class Struggle Focus on race (e.g., Aryans vs. Jews) Focus on class (e.g., workers vs. capitalists)
Hierarchy Belief in racial superiority Belief in class superiority
Government Totalitarian, dictatorial regime Totalitarian, authoritarian regime
National Focus Nationalist focus, exclusionary Universally appealing, inclusive
Brutality Mass violence, genocide, concentration camps Mass violence, repression, forced labor

Both Nazism and Communism are considered totalitarian systems, with complete control over the government and society. They both advocate for a strong, centralized government, and they have been responsible for large-scale violence and repression. However, they differ in their economic systems, with Nazism promoting private ownership and Communism advocating for collective ownership. Additionally, their ideologies are based on different hierarchies: Nazism focuses on race, while Communism emphasizes class.