How did Nationalism affect Germany?

How did Nationalism affect Germany?

1 Answer

  1. Nationalism is an ideology that promotes the interests of a nation. It calls for self-governance without the involvement of any external third party.

    During Hitler’s reign, a very strong form of nationalism was in practice. After their defeat in World War 1, the Germans were already frustrated and embarrassed. The treaty of Versailles, which was the formal settlement was decided upon without their input and so the extreme nationalist approach found an easy way to grow in the country. The inflation following the war had troubled many citizens and they were just about done with that. Hitler saw this as a way to promote his ideas and came to power. While there are quite a few negative actions Hitler carried out from initially separating the Jews and handicapped or disabled people from the “purebred” Germans to abusing his power along with the German people. Even then there are some things he did right. He ended unemployment by re-employing people for small jobs( pacing roads etc.) And creating more opportunities through the rise of big industries. His efforts to restore the economy after the war were fruitful and brought it in better shape. Aside from the Jew or communist people who were strongly affected by the rule, the women also faced a big difference in their lives. In the 1920s German women held many rights that made them more than just their domestic duties. However, all that changed under Hitler’s rule. Selective censoring of art forms and media also became a common practice, leaving the German people under an illusion. Hitler’s extreme methods grew and evolved into a dictatorial form where people would be sent to concentration camps and punished for disagreeing with his ideas.

    While the root of his practices was Nationalist, it became much more than that, slowly turning into a form of torture for the people and their freedom.

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