Nazi Ideology and the Perceptions of the Soviet Union
Nazi Ideology and the Perceptions of the Soviet Union
From the inception of the Nazi party, a complex relationship developed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, both ideologically opposed yet perceiving each other as subhuman threats.
The Dual Hates and Ideological Clash
The German Nazi regime and the Soviet Union held fundamentally different ideologies, with Germany seeking a pure Aryan race and asserting the superiority of the European continent, and the USSR promoting communist ideals. Both regimes viewed the people of the Soviet Union as less than human, a viewpoint shared by Hitler and Stalin.
However, it is essential to understand the scale of atrocities committed by the Soviet regime. The Soviet Union murdered around 12 million of its own citizens, yet this horrific reality is often downplayed or ignored. The friendship between the United States (along with other coalition forces) and the Soviet Union during World War II can appear paradoxical given the number of victims. This alliance, born out of necessity, was undoubtedly complex and fraught with moral considerations.
Hitler's Views on Slavs and Russians
In the context of Nazi propaganda and Mein Kampf, the Slavs were classified as sub-humans to be exterminated in the majority or at least enslaved. The writings of prominent Nazi figures outlined a vision where Slavic peoples, including Russians, were not only considered inferior but also associated with communism.
Hitler and other Nazi leaders viewed Russia as a symbol of the communist threat. He believed that Russia's fate could be replicated in Germany, with the risk of Bolshevism, seen as a destructive force, engulfing the country. The term 'Bolsheviks' was often used to denote anyone perceived as a threat to Germany's interests, regardless of their nationality or origin.
Interpreting Hitler’s Thoughts
The question of what Hitler 'thought' is often challenged due to the mutable and sometimes contradictory nature of historical records. Proclaiming what Hitler thought without reference to his documented writings, speeches, and published works can be misleading and potentially harmful. Kelly La Rue's answer, which references primary sources like Mein Kampf, provides a more accurate perspective on Hitler's views.
Therefore, any analysis of Hitler's attitudes towards the Soviet Union and the Slavic people must trace back to his written and spoken words to provide a comprehensive understanding. While it is tempting to find humor in the irony of Nazi fascists and Slavic fascists, it is essential to recognize that such interpretations can be offensive and unhelpful in accurately understanding the historical context.