What comes to your mind when you hear the word “authoritarianism”?

Hitler’s iconic
mustache? His salute? Or the Nazi Swastika symbol? You are not alone. Hitler seized control
over Germany and declared himself “the Führer.” Hitler strengthened his authoritarian grip
over Germany by dismantling the existing political and social systems. Three months later,
all non-Nazi political parties, organizations, and labor unions were banned. Hitler decided to
suppress all freedom of speech. The media outlets which were owned and operated by other
political parties now came under the control of the Nazi party. The Propaganda Ministry
assumed control over the Reich Association of the German Press. Jews were excluded from
many posts and roles such as journalists and editors. Any objections to the Nazi party or
Hitler were met with serious consequences. Through these measures, Germany’s political
system which was democratic became authoritarian with only one man in power, the Fuhrer
himself. Germany’s social systems were also dismantled by giving more benefits to people
based on their race. This led to a blatant polarisation and many other races such as the Jews
fleeing to nearby nations.
Hitler couldn’t stand the rise of communism in Europe. He identified it as an opposing
ideology and did everything he could to prevent its spread. Along with banning The
Communist Party, The Social Democratic Party, and trade unions, Hitler also refused to give
the homes of German princes to the people, as he felt this would move the party towards
communism. Left-leaning members of the Nazi party such as Otto Strasser and Gregor were
also targeted and killed. Let's look at the economic system which was built by Hitler. Private
property still existed, clear class divisions existed between the rich and the poor, and the
distribution of national income was not altered. Businesses, especially the ones which
produced military goods were encouraged to flourish and were provided with cheap labor
(who were mostly Jews). These wealthy businessmen usually got a membership in the Nazi
party as well.
In conclusion, it is not tough to see how Hitler was authoritarian and how his policies and
actions were right-leaning on the political spectrum. Hence we think he is the perfect fit for
the 1st quadrant in the political compass.