Left Wing Nazis?

A recent article in the German news discusses the methods of the emerging Left party and their growing base of support with the rise of the Nazi party. While a seemingly extreme parallel, it does contain a number of points to work with.

Historian links Germany’s new Left Party to Nazis

BERLIN - Germany’s new Left Party, which polls show will win 12 per cent next month’s general election, draws on a concept of ‘National Socialism’ from the Nazi era, a prominent German historian alleged on Wednesday. “This is not an accident – it’s intentional,” said Goetz Aly who recently published a book arguing that Hitler’s Nazis won allegiance by creating a huge social welfare state funded by property stolen from the Jews and people in Third Reich-occupied Europe.

While the left does not espouse ideals anywhere near the National Socialists, there vote winning techniques seem to be straight out of the NSDAP playbook. According to Goetz Aly’s recent book, Germans fall hook, line and sinker for the social benefits ploy. Though socialism in Germany dates back to the days of Bismarck, it was continued under Hitler and in fact widely expanded through programs such as Kraft durch Freude(KDF) as well as massive public works programs which eventually helped them cut the ~40% unemployment down to 2 or 3%.

Having not read the book, the basic theory seems to be that the Nazis won most of their support through economics which I as an economic determinist, would tend to agree with. However, comparing the left with the Nazis seems a bit extreme as making wild promises to the country to get elected isn’t news. Perhaps the differene is the Nazis followed through on their promises whereas the left would indeed have a difficult time finding the money to support their increased social spending.

While Merkel and the CDU seem poised to win the upcoming election, if they fail to deliver on Germany’s economic problems, one could well imagine the WASG continuing to gain momentum and perhaps even forcing the SPD into a fairly equal coalition in 4 years. As speculation won’t do much at this point in time, I’ll save further prognosticating for another time. However, he does seem to be on to something:

“In our national history one can unfortunately see again and again that Germans – in case of doubt – always give up freedom in favour of equality,” he said.

They think it is the government’s responsibility to take care of the poor and weak who cannot take care of themselves and to ensure equality and equal opportunity among all. Euroepans need more structure in their lives and don’t mind forfeiting individual freedom for security, the polar opposite of Americans. – Chirol, Us and Them III