Why do Americans say Hitler and the Nazi's are Leftists?

[MiloMorai]

https://www.quora.com/Was-Hitlers-Nazi-party-left-wing-or-right-wing

"Let's all get one thing straight people. The Nazis were a far right party in every sense of the definition. Calling them left wing is not just wrong but insane. It shows a complete lack of even the most basic, foundational knowledge of politics, as well as any knowledge of the Nazi party.

Second thing to get straight: Yes, Hitler called his party "the National Socialist" party, but using the word socialist in his party DID NOT mean that he in any way incorporated socialist policies."

"The name of the party is irrelevant.
Socialist was a key buzzword in the early years of the Weimar Republic and was included to suggest that they represented and were on the side of the common man. At the time, socialism was defined above all by public (government, provincial or municipal) ownership of the means of production. Those who claim that the Nazis were socialists really ought to name the industries and enterprises that the Nazis took into public ownership."

[-gg-]

Can you point out some examples of Americans saying that Hitler and Nazis are leftist? I don't recall ever hearing any of that.

What I do hear is Liberals in America calling everyone that doesn't agree with them Nazis.

[Devil 505]

https://www.quora.com/Was-Hitlers-Nazi-party-left-wing-or-right-wing

"Let's all get one thing straight people. The Nazis were a far right party in every sense of the definition. Calling them left wing is not just wrong but insane. It shows a complete lack of even the most basic, foundational knowledge of politics, as well as any knowledge of the Nazi party.

Second thing to get straight: Yes, Hitler called his party "the National Socialist" party, but using the word socialist in his party DID NOT mean that he in any way incorporated socialist policies."

"The name of the party is irrelevant.
Socialist was a key buzzword in the early years of the Weimar Republic and was included to suggest that they represented and were on the side of the common man. At the time, socialism was defined above all by public (government, provincial or municipal) ownership of the means of production. Those who claim that the Nazis were socialists really ought to name the industries and enterprises that the Nazis took into public ownership."

The problem, Milo, is that the people claiming the Nazi's are leftist aren't concerned with the truth of the matter. They only want to associate Naziism with Liberalism and the "Socialist" part of the Nazi party name is pretty much the only "fact" to pin that association to.

[zack1234]

What books have you read of said period?

Please do not get annoyed.

Books seem to anger a lot of Americans.

Just one title would be a start.

Please do not use wikidiot for said title of book

[RotBaron]

So where are you from Milo? The way you write I figured you are American…

This question and argument is nowhere close to as simple as the reply quoted and first in the link. 

Matter of fact the response after that one is really good imo:



‘ Unlike how most people act about this question, this is a rather complex and difficult question. Some say Nazism and Hitler was absolutely 100% right wing nut-case movement, just pure right wing insanity. Others say he was a left wing socialist.

One thing I’d like to point out before actually starting writing, I have noticed greatly that Left wingers will constantly and un-relentingly claim Hitler’s right wing views, and right wingers with almost equally claim hitler’s left wing views. This isn’t that simple of a question people!

To say Hitler was left or right is a great assumption and a dangerous one at that, for Hitler showed both right and left wing values.’



This could be a good discussion and go on for quite awhile, however I imagine it’ll be locked before I wake up.

[decoy]

Can you point out some examples of Americans saying that Hitler and Nazis are leftist? I don't recall ever hearing any of that.

What I do hear is Liberals in America calling everyone that doesn't agree with them Nazis.

And Fascists.  Or Racist.  Or Misogynists. Or White Supremacist.  White supremacy is apparently on an upswing in America, but despite the fact that I've been white all my life (mostly, my dna analysis says 2% African, so there's that) and I only know one person who is a white supremacist, and he's a jerk.

When I did the DNA thing, I was really hoping for Native American so I could declare the farm tribal lands and open a casino.  Didn't happen.

[Ramesis]

When I did the DNA thing, I was really hoping for Native American so I could declare the farm tribal lands and open a casino.  Didn't happen.

Not to mention the mescaline ceremony 

[zack1234]

I am brownish white depending on various factors

[rabbidrabbit]

Can you point out some examples of Americans saying that Hitler and Nazis are leftist? I don't recall ever hearing any of that.

What I do hear is Liberals in America calling everyone that doesn't agree with them Nazis.

People try to fit square pegs in round holes.  The Left vs Right continuum lacks historical perspective.  Left VS Right now vs left vs Right of 20 years ago or 40 years ago.  How is Left or Right now, or each of those 20 year segments consistent?  They are not really, they are continuums of relativity.

It's easy to try to force Nazis into "Right" now but if you look at what they said and did then they were indeed Socialists.  The most honest way to look at political frameworks is Libertarianism vs Authoritarianism.     If you do that things fit together clearly without the mental gymnastics you have to go through to fit things in the framework of Left vs Right in todays perspective.

The Nazis were Socialist but had their own flavor that continued to change over time.  That does not make them Left or Right.  It makes them Authoritarians.

[Busher]

https://www.quora.com/Was-Hitlers-Nazi-party-left-wing-or-right-wing

"Let's all get one thing straight people. The Nazis were a far right party in every sense of the definition. Calling them left wing is not just wrong but insane. It shows a complete lack of even the most basic, foundational knowledge of politics, as well as any knowledge of the Nazi party.

Second thing to get straight: Yes, Hitler called his party "the National Socialist" party, but using the word socialist in his party DID NOT mean that he in any way incorporated socialist policies."

"The name of the party is irrelevant.
Socialist was a key buzzword in the early years of the Weimar Republic and was included to suggest that they represented and were on the side of the common man. At the time, socialism was defined above all by public (government, provincial or municipal) ownership of the means of production. Those who claim that the Nazis were socialists really ought to name the industries and enterprises that the Nazis took into public ownership."

I believe than when a nation becomes as polarized as the United States, it's natural (and self-serving) to align your opponents with the most abhorrent figures of history.

[rabbidrabbit]

I believe than when a nation becomes as polarized as the United States, it's natural (and self-serving) to align your opponents with the most abhorrent figures of history.

Divisiveness is a key component of propaganda.  It is how you break apart otherwise functioning societies so you can restructure them to your advantage.   

[Arlo]

Divisiveness is a key component of propaganda.  It is how you break apart otherwise functioning societies so you can restructure them to your advantage.

Who and or what is the most divisive group/element in the nation currently? (Don't forget to project.)

[Busher]

Divisiveness is a key component of propaganda.  It is how you break apart otherwise functioning societies so you can restructure them to your advantage.

Your statement's hidden message - that there are bad people trying to do bad things - proves my point.

[Eagler]

Division

It is what is needed and what our leaders crave

As long as we are busy throwing stones at each other they get away with murder

They have been proven to be inept,  corrupt and bias - all of them.

Term limits would be a great start to correct it...

Eagler

[rabbidrabbit]

Your statement's hidden message - that there are bad people trying to do bad things - proves my point.

Ya, we never disagreed.