Were the Nazis Socialists?

Were the Nazis Socialists?

From History As It Happens by Martin Di Caro

May 19, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of the Nazi Party's identity and its relationship to socialism and capitalism.

Keep the narrative flow going! Subscribe now for ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content! The Nazis' official name was the National Socialist German Workers' Party, which may seem a strange choice given Hitler's ferocious hostility toward Marxism and Communism. Yet many right-wing pundits and politicians today argue that the Nazis were a left-wing movement opposed to capitalism, as evidenced by the party's name, rhetoric, and policies. Is it true? Historian Roger Griffin, one of the world's leading experts on fascism, is here with a nuanced take on these historical ambiguities. Recommended reading: Fascism: A Quick Immersion by Roger Griffin

People in this episode

Host: Martin Di Caro

Guest: Roger Griffin

Topics covered

  • Nazism
  • socialism
  • fascism
  • political ideology
  • historical analysis

Keywords

  • Nazis
  • socialism
  • fascism
  • politics
  • Roger Griffin
  • historical ambiguities
  • Marxism
  • Communism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Socialist German Workers' Party

Books & works: Fascism: A Quick Immersion

More episodes of History As It Happens

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the History As It Happens podcast page.