Communism vs. Nazism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 14, 2023
Communism advocates for a classless society with collective ownership, while Nazism emphasizes racial purity and extreme nationalism.
Difference Between Communism and Nazism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Communism, as an ideological system, emphasizes the common ownership of the means of production and the elimination of social classes. In contrast, Nazism prioritizes racial purity, holding the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race and extreme nationalism.
The origins of Communism can be traced back to the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, particularly the "Communist Manifesto." Nazism, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in Adolf Hitler's philosophies and is prominently featured in his book "Mein Kampf."
While Communism aims for an international revolution to establish a global classless society, Nazism is more nation-centric, promoting the interests of the Germanic people and often expressing aggressive expansionist policies.
Economic systems under Communism tend to revolve around state ownership and planned economies. Nazism, however, does not inherently oppose private property but believes in subordinating all economic activities to the interests of the nation.
In terms of governance, both Communism and Nazism have historically manifested as authoritarian regimes. However, Communism’s authoritarianism usually stems from a desire to eradicate class structures, while Nazism's is linked to its racial ideologies and ultra-nationalism.
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Comparison Chart
Core Belief
Classless society & common ownership
Racial purity & extreme nationalism
Origin
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Adolf Hitler
Scope
International
Nation-centric
Economic Approach
State ownership & planned economies
Economic activities subordinate to national interests
Governance Style
Authoritarian to eradicate class structures
Authoritarian due to racial ideologies & nationalism
Compare with Definitions
Communism
A political and economic theory advocating classless society and common ownership.
Communism sought to eliminate the disparities between the rich and the poor.
Nazism
The political principles associated with the Nazi Party of Germany.
Nazism was responsible for the deaths of millions during World War II.
Communism
A system where the state controls the means of production.
Under Communism, the factories were owned by the government.
Nazism
An extremist form of fascism marked by notions of German racial superiority.
Nazism's emphasis on racial purity led to numerous atrocities during the 20th century.
Communism
A system opposing the existence of private property.
Communism often clashed with capitalist ideals due to its stance on property rights.
Nazism
An ideology emphasizing Aryan supremacy and anti-Semitism.
Nazism led to the systemic extermination of six million Jews in the Holocaust.
Communism
A doctrine emphasizing communal ownership and societal equality.
Many revolutions in the 20th century were driven by Communism.
Nazism
A fascist movement rooted in extreme nationalism.
Nazism believed in the expansion of Germanic territories.
Communism
An ideology based on Marxist principles.
Communism emphasizes the role of the proletariat in societal change.
Nazism
The political doctrine established by Adolf Hitler.
Mein Kampf is a foundational text of Nazism.
Communism
Communism (from Latin communis, 'common, universal') is a philosophical, social, political, and economic ideology and movement whose ultimate goal is the establishment of a communist society, namely a socioeconomic order structured upon the ideas of common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money, and, in some cases, the state. As such, communism is a specific form of socialism.
Nazism
Nazism ( NA(H)T-see-iz-əm), officially National Socialism (German: Nationalsozialismus [natsjoˈnaːlzotsjaˌlɪsmʊs]), is the ideology and practices associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, NSDAP, or National Socialist German Workers' Party in English) in Nazi Germany. During Hitler's rise to power in 1930s Europe, it was frequently referred to as Hitlerism.
Communism
A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
Nazism
The ideology and practice of the Nazis, especially the policy of racist nationalism, national expansion, and state control of the economy.
Communism
A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
Nazism
Alternative case form of Nazism
Communism
The Marxist-Leninist doctrine advocating revolution to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat that will eventually evolve into a perfectly egalitarian and communal society.
Nazism
A form of socialism featuring racism and expansionism
Communism
Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.
Communism
Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.
Communism
The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.
Communism
A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.
Communism
A form of socialism that abolishes private ownership
Communism
A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society
Common Curiosities
What are the key beliefs of Nazism?
Key beliefs of Nazism include racial purity, extreme nationalism, and the superiority of the Aryan race.
How does Communism view private property?
Communism generally opposes private property, advocating for common ownership.
Are all communist regimes the same?
No, while the core principles remain, the implementation of Communism can vary based on region and leadership.
What is the main goal of Communism?
The main goal of Communism is to establish a classless society with collective ownership of the means of production.
Who is the main figure associated with Nazism?
Adolf Hitler is the main figure associated with Nazism.
Is Communism inherently authoritarian?
While many communist regimes have been authoritarian, the ideology itself does not prescribe a specific form of governance.
Why is Nazism often labeled as extreme?
Nazism's emphasis on racial superiority, its aggressive expansionist policies, and the Holocaust label it as extreme.
How do Communist economies typically function?
Communist economies typically function with state ownership and centralized planning.
What led to the rise of Nazism in Germany?
Economic hardships, national humiliation post-WWI, and Hitler's charismatic leadership contributed to Nazism's rise in Germany.
Was Nazism present outside Germany?
While primarily a German ideology, Nazism influenced and had sympathizers in various countries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
