Background: The Third Reich was the name given to Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. The term is German for “Third Realm”. The Third Reich was a totalitarian dictatorship led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
While direct comparisons between historical periods should be approached with caution, there are some notable parallels between the rise of the Third Reich in Nazi Germany and the MAGA movement in the United States
Ideological Foundations
Both movements are rooted in ultranationalist ideologies that emphasize a return to a perception of a romanticized past. The Nazis promoted the idea of restoring German greatness after the humiliation of World War I, while MAGA advocates for making America “great again,” implying a return to a perceived better time.
While the MAGA movement is not equivalent to Nazism, it is based on the idea that the United States has lost its greatness due to foreign influence, including immigration and multiculturalism. It promotes “America First” policies, economic protectionism, limited immigration, and what supporters view as traditional American values.
It’s important to recognize that some individuals may hold onto a past where women were not given equal opportunities, Black people faced severe discrimination and oppression, and LGBTQ+ individuals were forced to hide their true selves.
It’s also important to recognize that America hasn’t consistently adhered to the “traditional American values” it often advocates. In fact, many would argue that we were closer than ever to truly embodying these values prior to the rise of Trump and MAGA.
Anti-Progress / Anti-Diversity / Racism
Nazism was characterized by disdain for liberal democracy, antisemitism, and racism. It sought to create a homogeneous German society based on racial purity and exclude those deemed “inferior.”
While the MAGA movement is not equivalent to Nazism, it is based on the idea that the United States has lost its greatness due to foreign influence, including immigration and multiculturalism. It promotes “America First” policies, economic protectionism, limited immigration, and what supporters view as (perceived) traditional American values.
The values and icons of the MAGA movement are making their way “upstream” from politics into mass American culture. Tech platforms like Amazon are rejecting progressive judgments on people and content, potentially out of fear of losing subscribers.
Attempted Government Coups
Hitler staged an unsuccessful coup (the Beer Hall Putsch) in 1923, while Trump incited the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. However, Hitler served prison time for his actions, while Trump has not faced legal consequences for his role in the insurrection.
Populist Appeal and Global Populism
Both movements surged in popularity during times of perceived economic distress and social upheaval. It’s important to note that in Nazi Germany, the economic distress was indeed genuine, which significantly contributed to the movement’s rise. The movements appealed to disenfranchised segments of the population, particularly working-class whites, by promising economic revival and a return to traditional values.
Charismatic Leadership
Both movements centered around charismatic leaders who cultivated personality cults. Hitler was portrayed as an infallible leader in Nazi propaganda, while Donald Trump has been the central figure of the MAGA movement and, in the minds of his followers, can do no wrong.
Scapegoating and Xenophobia
The Nazis blamed Jews and other minorities for Germany’s problems, while the MAGA movement has often targeted immigrants and racial minorities as sources of America’s perceived decline. Both movements have used inflammatory rhetoric to stoke fears about outsiders and cultural change.
Media and Information Control
The Nazi regime exerted tight control over media and information dissemination. While not to the same extent, the MAGA movement has shown distrust of mainstream media, often labeling unfavorable coverage as “fake news” and relying heavily on alternative information sources. Hitler’s regime imposed control over all media, while Trump has consistently portrayed mainstream media as “the enemy of the people.”
The Trump administration also threatened the work of the American press by calling for boycotts of news organizations, attempting to change libel laws, and filing libel lawsuits against major media outlets. In addition, Trump tried to revoke White House press credentials from journalists he disliked.
Undermining Democratic Institutions
The Nazis systematically dismantled democratic institutions in Germany. While not as extreme, some argue that certain actions associated with the MAGA movement, such as challenging election results and promoting conspiracy theories, have put a strain on democratic norms and institutions in the United States.
The right-wing media ecosystem, including social media platforms, has played a crucial role in spreading MAGA narratives, often without traditional journalistic vetting. These echo chambers reinforce beliefs, mobilize support, and amplify fears, creating a self-sustaining cycle of information.
Use of Symbols and Slogans
Both movements effectively used simple, powerful symbols and slogans to rally supporters. The Nazi swastika and “Sieg Heil” served similar functions to the MAGA slogan and red hats in terms of group identity and visibility2430. It’s important to note that while these parallels exist, the historical contexts and specific manifestations of these movements differ significantly. The Nazi regime’s actions led to genocide and world war, outcomes that have not occurred with the MAGA movement.
Major Differences
The MAGA movement has not achieved the level of totalitarian control over media seen in Nazi Germany nor engaged in the level of violence or oppression seen in Nazi Germany. However, the similarities in rhetoric and propaganda techniques are concerning and warrant vigilance to protect democratic institutions. Additionally, the United States has stronger democratic institutions and a more diverse population than 1930s Germany. Ultimately, while drawing lessons from history is valuable, it’s crucial to analyze each movement in its own context and avoid oversimplification or direct equivocation.
Is the MAGA movement the Fourth Reich?