How Many Senior Nazis Were Freemasons?

The relationship between Freemasonry and the Nazi regime is complex and often fraught with suspicion. The Nazis, particularly after their rise to power in 1933, were staunchly against Freemasonry, viewing it as a cabal that secretly controlled global affairs in service of the 'international Jewry'. This hostility led to a ban on Freemasonry within Germany and a significant purging of its members from Nazi ranks.

The Nazi Ban on Freemasonry

From 1934 onwards, Freemasonry was officially banned in Germany. This ban was part of a broader campaign to cleanse the Nazi party and its institutions of any perceived Jewish or foreign influences. The conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry held that the organization had deep ties to Jewish interests and sought to undermine traditional German values.

This ban was not merely symbolic. Freemasons were expelled from the Nazi party, and those who refused to comply faced severe consequences. Some Freemasons were not immediately expelled but found that their paths to influential positions within the party had been effectively blocked. They were forced to modify the nomenclature of their lodges, renaming them in ways that did not include 'Freemason' or 'loge'.

Senior Nazis and Freemasonry

Despite the strong anti-Freemasonry stance of the Nazi regime, there were only a few high-ranking Nazis who were also Freemasons. These individuals were typically isolated and marginalized within the party. One such example was Hjalmar Schacht, a prominent Freemason who was not a member of the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party). Despite his Freemason identity, Schacht was arrested and interned in a concentration camp. This incident exemplifies the extent to which the Nazis sought to eliminate any perceived threats to their power and ideology.

Opposition from Both Sides

Freemasons were not immune to the Nazi regime's wrath, and many chose to distance themselves from the party. While some were expelled or avoided formal expulsion, few remained in influential positions. This mutual hostility led to a significant division between the two groups. Freemasons who remained loyal to their organization often faced ostracism and persecution from Nazi authorities. Conversely, the Nazis viewed Freemasonry as an impediment to their desired vision of a Germany free from perceived Jewish and international influences.

Conclusion

In summary, very few senior Nazis were Freemasons, and those who existed within the party were marginal and often marginalized. The ban on Freemasonry and the expulsion of its members were driven by deeply held beliefs in the Nazi regime, which viewed Freemasonry as a threat to their political and ideological objectives. The relationship between Freemasonry and the Nazis remains a subject of historical interest and study, offering insights into the complex tapestry of ideologies and social dynamics of the early 20th century.

Keywords

Nazi Freemasons Freemasonry and Nazis Nazi Ban on Freemasonry