Nazism vs. Strasserism

Attribute	Nazism	Strasserism
Ideology	Extreme right-wing, fascist	Left-wing, anti-capitalist
Leader	Adolf Hitler	Gregor Strasser
Focus	Racial purity, anti-Semitism	Anti-capitalism, anti-big business
Role of state	Authoritarian, totalitarian	Socialist, interventionist

Origins

Nazism, short for National Socialism, was a far-right political ideology that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. It was founded by Adolf Hitler and gained popularity in the aftermath of World War I. Strasserism, on the other hand, was a variant of Nazism that was developed by Gregor and Otto Strasser, who were early members of the Nazi Party. The Strasser brothers believed in a more radical form of socialism within the Nazi movement, advocating for the interests of the working class.

Core Beliefs

Nazism was characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, and anti-Semitism. Hitler's ideology promoted the idea of a superior Aryan race and sought to establish a totalitarian regime that would eliminate all perceived threats to the German nation. Strasserism, on the other hand, emphasized anti-capitalism and social equality. The Strasser brothers believed in a form of socialism that would prioritize the needs of the working class over the interests of the wealthy elite.

Economic Policies

One of the key differences between Nazism and Strasserism lies in their economic policies. While Nazism incorporated elements of socialism, such as state control of key industries and a focus on public works projects, it ultimately favored a corporatist economic system that preserved private property and allowed for the existence of a capitalist class. Strasserism, on the other hand, called for the nationalization of major industries and the redistribution of wealth to benefit the working class.

Approach to Foreign Policy

Both Nazism and Strasserism were expansionist ideologies that sought to establish German dominance in Europe. However, their approaches to foreign policy differed in significant ways. Nazism, under Hitler's leadership, pursued a policy of aggressive militarism and territorial expansion, leading to the outbreak of World War II. Strasserism, on the other hand, advocated for a more cautious approach to foreign affairs, focusing on building alliances with other socialist and anti-imperialist movements.

Attitude Towards Religion

Another point of divergence between Nazism and Strasserism was their attitude towards religion. Nazism incorporated elements of paganism and promoted a cult of personality around Hitler, while also seeking to co-opt Christianity for its own purposes. Strasserism, on the other hand, was more explicitly anti-religious, viewing organized religion as a tool of the ruling class to control the masses. The Strasser brothers believed in a secular state that would prioritize the needs of the people over the interests of religious institutions.

Legacy

Despite their differences, both Nazism and Strasserism left a lasting impact on European politics and society. Nazism, with its emphasis on racial purity and authoritarianism, led to the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastation of World War II. Strasserism, on the other hand, influenced various socialist and anti-fascist movements in the post-war period, inspiring a new generation of activists to fight for social justice and equality. While Nazism is universally condemned today, Strasserism continues to be a topic of debate among historians and political theorists.