Alfred Rosenberg, a central figure within the Nazi movement, was not just a simple party member, but rather one of the main ideologists of the NSDAP, whose thoughts and theories significantly contributed to the formation and consolidation of Nazi ideology. Born in 1893 in Estonia, Rosenberg was deeply intertwined with the emerging nationalist currents in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. His academic education, which provided him with a broad perspective on various philosophical and cultural movements, shaped his later views on race, nation, and society, granting him a special place in the ideological landscape of the Weimar Republic. Rosenberg's influence unfolded particularly after World War I, when many Germans struggled with the loss of the war and the accompanying humiliating conditions of the Treaty of Versailles. He accompanied and amplified the already rampant nationalist and anti-Semitic sentiments and provided a pseudoscientific basis for the racist ideology of National Socialism. His main work, "The Myth of the Twentieth Century," linked numerous elements of the völkisch movement with romantic notions of race and nation and propagated the superiority of the so-called Aryan race. He argued that the history of humanity was marked by conflict and racial strife, holding a strongly hierarchical perspective that placed the Aryans, particularly the Germans, at the top.Rosenberg was also instrumental in transforming the NSDAP from an initial political movement into a comprehensive worldview capable of mobilizing broad segments of the population. He adeptly tied societal fears and uncertainties into a coherent, aggressive ideology that encompassed both a look back to a mythical, purely Aryan past and a vision of a future national rebirth. This ideology found its most perfidious expression in the anti-Semitic propaganda of the NSDAP, which portrayed Jews not only as a religious group but as an alleged race blamed for many of Germany's problems. Rosenberg's ideas were reflected not only in theory but also in the practice of National Socialist rule. He was responsible for the Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories during the Third Reich, where he tried to implement his visionary ideas into reality. There, he propagated the idea of a new living space in the East that Germans should conquer and settle, justifying the brutal measures against the local population through his racist beliefs. Under his leadership, the Nazi regime propagated a brutally expansionist foreign policy aimed at expanding the influence of the German Reich in the East and establishing a culture based on its racist worldview.Rosenberg's ideology was always characterized by a deep distrust of modernity and a rejection of the values of the Enlightenment. He called for a return to traditional, nationalist values and viewed the Enlightenment and rational science as threats that could endanger the purity and strength of the German nation. This attitude made him one of the most important, though controversial, figures within the NSDAP and brought him into conflict with other leaders who held a more modern perspective on society and nationalism. In summary, Alfred Rosenberg's role as the chief ideologue of the NSDAP cannot be underestimated. His ideas were crucial in shaping Nazi ideology and spreading its anti-Semitic and expansionist goals. Despite his influence in the Third Reich, he fell into obscurity after the war, although his theories and ideas have left a dangerous legacy that persists in various extremist and racist movements to this day.
Alfred Rosenberg, a central figure of Nazi ideology, is best known as the author of the book "The Myth of the 20th Century," which became one of the key works of the NSDAP and its racist worldview. Published in 1930, this book surpassed the limits of a mere political writing and transformed into a manifesto that turned the philosophical, cultural, and social foundations of National Socialism into a coherent, albeit dangerous ideology. In his work, Rosenberg combined various currents of nationalist thinking and created a concept that placed anti-Semitism and a pseudoscientific race theory at its center.Thus, "The Myth of the 20th Century" became a central source of inspiration for the National Socialist movement and its followers. In Rosenberg's worldview, history is shaped by the struggle between different races and cultures. He propagates the idea of a hierarchy of existing races, with the so-called "Aryan race," particularly originating from Northern and Central Europe, considered superior. This racist hierarchy was not merely a theoretical model but served as justification for an aggressive and expansionist policy aimed at manifesting the alleged superiority of the Aryans through territorial gains and the oppression of other ethnicities. These beliefs were not new, but Rosenberg gave them a quasi-religious character, distinguishing his ideas from other anti-Semitic and nationalist currents of the time. A prominent feature of "The Myth of the 20th Century" is the blatant anti-Semitism embedded in a comprehensive worldview. For Rosenberg, Jews are not just a religious group but rather an alleged race portrayed as a threat to Aryan society. He describes Jews as the main culprits for everything he perceives as degeneration and decline of European culture.This linkage of racism and anti-Semitism also found its echo in the propaganda of the NSDAP and was integrated into the practical measures of the regime, which culminated in a systematic genocide. Rosenberg's work was also a response to the social and political insecurity of the time. The Weimar Republic was confronted with massive economic and social problems in the post-World War I period, and many Germans sought simple explanations or scapegoats for their suffering. In this context, Rosenberg's book offered a seductive, albeit fatal, narrative: the notion that a return to a "purely Aryan" self-understanding and a detachment from a perceived decadent modernity was the path to national renewal. This not only appealed to a multitude of individuals but also helped to further exacerbate social tensions by creating a clear and threatening dichotomy between "us" and "the others." Furthermore, "The Myth of the 20th Century" was not only a political manifesto but also a cultural challenge.Rosenberg rejected the values of the Enlightenment and modernity, which he saw as a threat to the "pure" Aryan essence. His ideas had far-reaching effects on art, literature, and education during the Third Reich. Schools were influenced by incorporating a curriculum that propagated his notions of race and nation. Artists who did not fit into the Nazi worldview were classified as "degenerate" and removed from their cultural context. On an ideological level, the book is also an example of the fusion of irrational belief systems with political goals. Rosenberg's views were heavily influenced by mystical and occult ideas that formed into a belief system in direct opposition to the rational discourses of the Enlightenment.The claim that races are defined not only biologically but also culturally and spiritually gave Nazi ideology a dangerous and alluring aura that penetrated the political discourse of the time. In summary, "The Myth of the 20th Century" was much more than a book; it was a crucial element of Nazi ideology that still serves today as an example of the power of ideology and racism in political history. Rosenberg's ideas and their dissemination significantly contributed to the prevailing mindsets within the NSDAP and beyond, leading to tragic and catastrophic consequences for millions of people.
Alfred Rosenberg, one of the main ideologists of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), joined the then still young and forming party in 1919. This decision marked the beginning of a career that would make him one of the most influential figures within the NSDAP. In the post-war period, when Germany was marked by political and social upheavals, Rosenberg found in the NSDAP a platform to spread his nationalist and racist views. His membership came at a time when the country was confronted with massive political crises, economic problems, and a general search for identity-forming narratives following World War I.Already in this early phase, Rosenberg quickly emerged as a significant ideologue who largely shaped the direction and even the foundation of the party's internal ideology. In the NSDAP, Rosenberg played a key role in the ideological training of the party. He gave lectures and wrote essays that not only summarized the fundamental principles of the movement but also aimed to motivate a broad following. In his role as ideological training leader, it was his task to educate party members on what were deemed crucial political and ideological topics. These topics included anti-Semitism, racial theory, and the notion of an "Aryan" body politic, where Rosenberg's beliefs were inextricably linked to the political goals of the NSDAP. The training sessions were designed to create a shared worldview that united the members and mobilized them against the perceived challenges that, from their perspective, threatened the Aryan race and the German people. His circles within the party were strengthened by his ability to translate complex and often abstract ideological concepts into easily understandable language that resonated with people's everyday lives.This ability made him a sought-after speaker and an influential advisor not only to Adolf Hitler but also to other leading figures within the NSDAP. In his writings, an understanding of history and culture unfolded, in which the world was permeated by a fundamental racial struggle. These ideas not only found an audience but also became a central component of the Nazi propaganda that fundamentally changed the political discourse of the Weimar Republic. Rosenberg was also the author of numerous articles in NSDAP publications aimed at underpinning the ideological foundations of the party while promoting paranoid notions of a "Jewish world conspiracy." His commitment to the NSDAP and his ideological views contributed to the spread of Nazi ideology among broad segments of society. During this time, the myth of "state and racial purity" was cultivated among the population, ultimately leading to widespread acceptance of extremist views. The role that Rosenberg played in the NSDAP was not limited to ideological training. He was an active shaper of the liturgical and cultural dimensions of National Socialism. In his perception, the struggle for the minds of people was as important as the struggle for the land. This holistic approach to ideology ensured that the NSDAP presented itself not only as a political party but also as a movement that sought to penetrate all aspects of people's lives.His activities contributed to projecting the image of a novel national identity defined by traditions and the supposed cultural superiority of the Aryan race. The ideological training programs developed under Rosenberg's influence became the basis for later indoctrinative education in schools and universities. Under the Nazi regime, an entire generation experienced a comprehensive shaping of their identity perceptions and political mindsets based on the ideas propagated by Rosenberg. The profound and often distorted ideas that emerged from this training led to a climate of exclusion and a broad societal consensus for discriminatory political measures. In summary, it can be stated that Rosenberg's membership in the NSDAP and his subsequent role in ideological training were of enormous significance not only for himself but also for the further development of the party and its ideological orientation. His ideas and the amount of preparatory thinking conditioned the later radical implementation of Nazi policies, which ended in one of the darkest chapters of human history.
Alfred Rosenberg was one of the most important ideological visionaries of National Socialism, and his ideas had a profound influence on the political strategies of the NSDAP. At the center of his ideological approach was the emphasis on the supposed superiority of the Aryan race, which he viewed as the core of his racist theory. This idea was not merely a subjective opinion but was supported by a whole network of pseudoscientific arguments that painted a picture of the Aryan race as the highest evolutionary stage of the human species.This conviction also included the view that other races were inferior and that the Aryan race was engaged in a perpetual struggle for dominance in the world. This warlike rhetoric was crucial for mobilizing broad segments of the population for the purposes of the NSDAP, as it fueled the feeling of an altruistic fight against an alleged threat. In addition to racial superiority, Rosenberg propagated an aggressive expansionist policy, particularly focusing on the East of Europe. This ideology, which was also reflected in the concept of "Lebensraum," was a key element of Nazi foreign policy. Lebensraum was more than just a geographic concept; it was a central component of the Nazi ideology, which postulated that the German people had a claim to larger territories to settle and reproduce there. Rosenberg argued that the Aryan race had to expand eastward to sustain its existence, where it could find new space for its cultural and economic development. This theory was used as justification for numerous military aggressions during World War II, leading to massive humanitarian crises and unimaginable suffering. Rosenberg's work was heavily influenced by the idea that the historical superiority of the Aryan race was also expressed in its capacity for human civilization and culture. He painted a picture of a new order that should be based on a racially purer society. In his eyes, the expansionist strategy was not only a means of territorial expansion but also a way to preserve and promote the Aryan cultural heritage, while "inferior" cultures should be suppressed and eliminated. These extremist ideas found support and legitimacy within the Nazi movement, leading to the systematic oppression and murder of millions of people. However, Rosenberg's theories did not only encounter approval; they were also controversial. While some in the NSDAP adopted his ideas, there were also rivals and factions within the party that represented different notions of Germanness and nationalism.Nevertheless, Rosenberg's ideologies, especially his views on the superiority of the Aryan race and the necessity for Lebensraum in the East, remain one of the saddest building blocks for the orientation and atrocities of the Nazi regime. The aggressive-expansionist plans that Rosenberg propagated unfolded during World War II in an extreme form of territorial aggression focused on the USSR. This strategy led to the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, known as Operation Barbarossa, which represented a central point of Nazi warfare. Rosenberg's thoughts on Lebensraum thus became the ideology of a brutal war characterized by a multitude of war crimes rooted in a racist worldview that not only resulted in the deaths of civilians but also planned a comprehensive strategy of colonial subjugation in the East. Rosenberg's ideas about the superiority of the Aryan race and the associated expansionist policies provided dangerous fuel for one of the most brutal and destructive wars in history. His ideological beliefs were not only meant to mobilize and unite the German people, but they also created a perilous foundation for the legal and moral justification of crimes against humanity in the name of an alleged racial purity.This linkage of racism and imperial conviction not only shaped the political events of the time but also the way humanity experienced the 20th century, which was devastating and has cast its shadow to this day. Alfred Rosenberg was a central figure within the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of Nazi propaganda. His contributions to propaganda were not only important for the mobilization of the German population but also for the creation of an ideological foundation that justified World War II. In this context, he formulated a comprehensive worldview that included both the superiority of the Aryan race and the moral claim of the Germans to territorial expansion. Rosenberg understood the power of language and ideology as a decisive instrument in the struggle for the hearts and minds of people. He saw propaganda not only as a tool for disseminating information but as a means to shape the perception of reality and create a collective identity. The content he developed was strategically designed to stoke fears and create a sense of urgency that would encourage the population to support the Nazi agenda.Rosenberg formulated a narrative that depicted the image of a threatened German people needing to defend themselves against external enemies, particularly the Jews. This portrayal mystified the perceived threats and created a hostile worldview that allowed the National Socialists to legitimize their aggressive foreign policy and present the war against various nations as an unavoidable necessity. One of the central tasks that Rosenberg undertook in the NSDAP was the design and implementation of the so-called "training program" of the party. These trainings were intended to introduce party members and the general public to the racist ideologies and worldview of National Socialism. In his writings, Rosenberg recognized the need to ideologically penetrate German society in order to create a deep understanding of the regime's ambitious goals. National Socialism was to be anchored not only in politics but also in the daily lives of people. This included comprehensive propaganda that spanned all areas of society and propagated the image of a unified Aryan people who needed to stand together against all external influences.Rosenberg was also actively involved in the planning of propaganda events and rallies aimed at disseminating the Nazi message. A particularly prominent example of the propaganda work of his department was the organization of massive parades and demonstrations that provided an impressive backdrop for the spread of Nazi ideology. These rallies, such as the Nuremberg Rallies, were not only known for their opulent staging but also for the way they combined emotionality with ideological content. The use of symbols, music, and visual effects was designed to create an emotional bond with the regime and give people a sense of belonging and strength. The ideological foundations that Rosenberg formulated for World War II are deeply rooted in his view of racial superiority and the necessity of territorial expansion. The idea that Germany needed living space in the East became a succinct justification for the aggressive expansion that manifested during World War II.Rosenberg saw the East not just as a geographical target, but as the potential for a new living space where the Aryan race could express its superiority and fully develop. These concepts became the guiding motif in propaganda and legitimized the violent conquest and oppression of peoples in Eastern Europe. The ideas propagated by Rosenberg found expression not only in speeches but also in a variety of publications and magazines specifically designed to spread National Socialist ideals. The central role he played in creating coherent and systematic propaganda was integral to the success of the National Socialist regime in its early years and laid the groundwork for the outbreak of World War II. By translating complex socio-political issues into simple, understandable, and emotional messages, Rosenberg contributed to creating a climate in which aggressive military actions and massive human rights violations against perceived enemies were seen as legitimate and necessary. Overall, the influence of Alfred Rosenberg on Nazi propaganda and his role in the ideological foundation of World War II cannot be underestimated. His ideas and strategies created the necessary basis upon which National Socialist doctrine could build, leading to a political climate that regarded extreme violence and blatant racist thinking as acceptable means. Thus, Rosenberg's legacy is closely linked to the devastating developments that characterized World War II and the Holocaust, and serves as a cautionary example of the dangers posed by ideological manipulation and extremist worldviews. Alfred Rosenberg was appointed Reich Minister for the occupied Eastern territories in 1941, a position that allowed him to implement his racist ideologies within a comprehensive and brutal framework.This appointment came at a time when the National Socialist regime was advancing its territorial ambitions with the invasion of the Soviet Union and aggressively expanding into Eastern Europe. The role that Rosenberg assumed as Reich Minister was of central importance, as it not only granted him administrative power but also the opportunity to implement ideological principles directly into practice. In his role, Rosenberg faced the challenge of reorganizing the political, economic, and social structures in the occupied territories. This restructuring took place with the clear goal of implementing the National Socialist ideology of Aryan superiority and expanding living space for the German people, a concept known as "Lebensraum im Osten." Rosenberg was convinced that the countries in the East, particularly the Soviet Union, needed to be not only conquered but also "justifiably" colonized for the German people. In this way, the Aryan race was to assert not only territorial claims but also authority over the local populations.Rosenberg's ministry initiated various programs aimed at the racist ideology of National Socialism. One of the central measures was the forced settlement of ethnic Germans in these contested areas, a process often accompanied by coercion and displacement. This led to numerous ethnic groups, particularly Jews, Slavs, and Roma, being removed from their ancestral lands and brutally persecuted. Rosenberg significantly contributed to the implementation of these cruel practices through his decisions and directives, legitimizing them as part of the National Socialist plan to create a homogeneous Aryan society. Furthermore, the realm of cultural and religious life under Rosenberg's supervision was marked by similar brutality. Rosenberg maintained a distant and contemptuous attitude toward the cultural and faith beliefs of the resident peoples. He viewed them as inferior and incompatible with the forward-looking, allegedly superior German culture. In this context, there was a systematic destruction of cultural monuments, churches, and other institutions that represented the cultural heritage of the affected peoples. Rosenberg's actions aimed to ensure that any resistance to the National Socialist ideology was quashed and total control over cultural and social life was achieved.The brutal and racist policies implemented by Rosenberg led to an unprecedented scale of humanitarian catastrophe. Millions of people were subjected to atrocities and displacement, and the continuous efforts for the "Aryan reshaping" of the occupied territories resulted in mass arrests and executions. I want to emphasize that the brutal measures orchestrated by Rosenberg were due not only to military strategies but also to an ideologically motivated inclination. He strongly believed in the necessity of establishing the "Aryan race" as the dominant element in an organized, new European social model. The ideologically driven decisions of Rosenberg and his ministerial department exacerbated the already existing tensions in the occupied territories, thereby significantly contributing to the brutalization of war and society. These developments contributed to a relationship between the German occupiers and the local population characterized by hostility and mistrust, further fueling the abuses against civilians.In summary, it can be stated that Alfred Rosenberg, in his role as Reich Minister for the occupied eastern territories, not only held a key position in the implementation of National Socialist racial ideologies, but also actively contributed to the routine perpetration of violence and discrimination. His brutal policies and ideologies caused immense suffering and loss, especially in the areas occupied by the National Socialists, creating a climate of fear and terror that reduced the humanitarian standards of the time to a new, shocking minimum. Rosenberg's legacy is thus inextricably linked to the atrocities committed under the guise of National Socialist ideology, which had far-reaching and tragic consequences for millions of people both during and after World War II.
After the end of World War II, Alfred Rosenberg was captured and imprisoned by the Allied forces. His role as one of the leading ideologists of National Socialism and his significant responsibility in the implementation of racist and military policy made him a prominent figure for the Allied war tribunals. Rosenberg, who served as Reich Minister for the occupied eastern territories and as the architect of National Socialist racial ideology, was indicted during the Nuremberg Trials, which took place in 1945 and 1946. These trials were established to hold the principal war criminals of the Third Reich accountable for the immeasurable crimes committed against humanity during the war.The Nuremberg Trials aimed not only to assess the specific crimes of individual persons but also to establish a precedent-setting legal framework that could punish future war crimes and crimes against humanity. Rosenberg was at the center of these trials, as he had played a significant role as one of the main ideologues in designing and disseminating the racist ideology of National Socialism, which justified countless atrocities and persecutions. During the trial, he was accused of being involved in crimes that ranged from organized violence to the murder of millions of people, as well as the systematic destruction of cultures and societies. Central points of the indictment against Rosenberg were his active participation in the planning and execution of the Holocaust and his role in implementing racial policies that led to the forced resettlement, forced labor, and ultimately the extermination of millions of Jews, Sinti and Roma, Slavs, and other ethnic groups deemed "inferior." During the proceedings, Rosenberg defended himself by claiming that he was merely representing the ideology propagated by others in the party leadership, such as Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. However, this defense was met with little understanding and was seen as an attempt to relativize personal responsibility for the crimes committed. The evidence presented against him was overwhelming. Testimonies from survivors, documents from the Nazi regime, and the evidence regarding atrocities in the occupied Eastern territories contributed to the determination of guilt. Rosenberg was perceived as one of the central ideologues of National Socialism, whose ideas and theories not only had an intellectual but also a practical influence on the decisions and actions of the regime. The severity of the charges and the inhumanity of the ideologies he promoted led the judges to recognize no mitigating circumstances.On October 1, 1946, Rosenberg was sentenced to death during the Nuremberg Trials. His execution took place on October 16, 1946, alongside other leading Nazis who had also been convicted for their roles in the Holocaust and other war crimes. Rosenberg's death marked the end of an era in which the Nazi regime was held accountable for its crimes and conveyed an important message that the international community would not only acknowledge crimes against humanity but also punish those who committed them. Rosenberg's execution was viewed as a step towards justice for the countless victims of National Socialism; however, the legacy of his ideologies and the impact of his actions on the world remain palpable to this day. The Nuremberg Trials and the subsequent convictions garnered significant international interest and contributed to the development of international law. They fostered an awareness that individuals, regardless of their rank or status, could be held accountable for crimes against humanity. In summary, the imprisonment and execution of Alfred Rosenberg not only represent a form of justice that addresses the crimes of National Socialism but also symbolize a reaffirmation of the fundamental principles of human rights and human dignity. His actions and the subsequent conviction serve as a reminder for humanity to recognize and confront the dangers of extremism and racist ideologies. The reign of National Socialism and the determined steps towards legally addressing this darkness continue to live on in collective memory, warning future generations against the repetition of such atrocities. Alfred Rosenberg was a central figure within the NSDAP and played a significant role in the ideological development of National Socialism.With his ideological concepts, which often formed the basis for the party's racial policies and anti-Semitism, he had a significant influence on the political structures and mindset within the movement during the early years of the NSDAP. He skillfully articulated and propagated the ideological framework of his beliefs, securing an influential position within the party. For example, Rosenberg was responsible for the ideological training of party members and authored important works that shaped the National Socialist worldview. Among the most well-known is his book "The Myth of the 20th Century", which addressed central elements of völkisch ideology, including the superiority of the "Aryan race" and anti-Semitism. However, despite his significant influence, Rosenberg later came into conflict with other leading figures of the NSDAP, particularly with Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels. These conflicts primarily arose from differing views on the strategic direction of National Socialist ideology and the distribution of roles within the party. Himmler, as Reichsführer of the SS, and Goebbels, as Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, also pursued their own agendas, which often involved diverging goals and methods.While Rosenberg focused on a purely ideological orientation and engaged in a far-reaching philosophical debate about racial and worldview policy, Himmler and Goebbels tended to make more pragmatic decisions aimed at immediate political power and control. The conflict between Rosenberg and Himmler was particularly notable. Himmler saw himself as the guardian of the racist ideology, which he implemented through brutal and confrontational methods. In contrast, Rosenberg preferred a more theoretical approach to disseminating Nazi ideas, which rendered Himmler's aggressive tactics as insufficient. This tension led to Rosenberg becoming increasingly isolated, while Himmler and Goebbels gained power and expanded their influences in different areas of the Nazi regime. This was reflected not only in the discussion of ideology but also had direct consequences for the implementation of racial policy measures. Another reason for the conflict was the different perception of the role of propaganda within the party. Joseph Goebbels, who considered himself a master of political propaganda, emphasized different aspects than Rosenberg, who wanted to discuss the deeper ideological foundation of the NSDAP.Goebbels aimed to reach the largest masses and influence them with simple, catchy messages, while Rosenberg demanded a more complex and deeper philosophical foundation to win people over to the National Socialist movement. These differences in approach also contributed to Rosenberg's waning influence within the party. Rosenberg's insight that National Socialism required a long-term, comprehensive worldview was increasingly ignored in practice. As a result, while his ideology was widely recognized, it was often pushed to the background in the concrete political practice and military strategy of the NSDAP. The ideological influence of active party leaders like Goebbels and Himmler eventually overshadowed Rosenberg's views and led to his being cut off from the actual power structures of the NSDAP. In the later stages of the war, Rosenberg's role in the party became further marginalized.While he initially established himself as a central figure in the Nazi regime, the gradual alienation from other key players ultimately led to his sidelining in the regime's perception and execution. Within the party hierarchy, he eventually lost influence and authority, which was also reflected in his appointment as Reich Minister for the Occupied Eastern Territories. Although this appointment granted him some access to power and resources, he increasingly became a figure who was perceived as an ideological leader, yet whose advice and concepts no longer held the same influence as at the beginning of the NSDAP. In summary, Rosenberg's initial influence on the NSDAP was significantly challenged and ultimately diminished by internal power struggles and ideological differences with other leading members of the party, particularly Himmler and Goebbels. The evolving dynamics within the NSDAP vividly reflect the complexity and often conflicting relationships that characterized the regime, as well as the challenges faced by ideological leaders in a rapidly changing political environment. Rosenberg's conflicts within the party are not merely personal power struggles; they also clarify the transformations and contradictions within Nazi ideology and its application during the dictatorship.
Alfred Rosenberg is considered one of the most influential ideologues of National Socialism, and his influence has persisted long after the end of World War II. Particularly remarkable is how his ideas continued to live on within neo-Nazi and right-wing extremist movements in post-war Germany and even experienced a renaissance in some cases. This continuity can primarily be attributed to the deeply rooted racist and anti-Semitic beliefs that Rosenberg embodied and which permeated the thinking of various right-wing radical groups. His connection to anti-Semitic racial theory and the spread of the notion of the superiority of the "Aryan race" found renewed resonance in the radicalization of broad segments of the population, who were confronted with the upheavals and uncertainties of the post-war period. The central theses from Rosenberg's most famous work, "The Myth of the Twentieth Century," were and continue to be adopted by numerous neo-Nazi groups as an ideological foundation. At a time when old structures and values were crumbling, his ideas provided a seemingly solid ground, viewed by the proponents of this ideology as a form of identity-forming element. Instead of distancing themselves from these hostile ideologies, right-wing extremist groups often utilized the very elements of Nazi ideology that Rosenberg propagated to bolster their own messages and gain legitimate footing. Racist stereotypes and anti-Semitism became indispensable components of their political agitation, deeply rooted in their mobilization strategies. Another aspect of the sustainability of Rosenberg's ideas is the use of symbolism and rhetoric that strongly echoes the original NSDAP ideology. Neo-Nazi groups drew on aesthetic and linguistic concepts that were popular in Nazi propaganda to establish a connection to the supposed greatness of the "Aryan race." In this context, they developed a mythology that reflected Rosenberg's views—a mythology that propagated a return to the "roots" and glorification of the past. This blatant revision of history gained increasing support in the 1960s and 1970s, when the first generation of post-war children began to grapple with their own identity and the questionable nature of their Nazi past. Rosenberg's antisemitism, which was deeply rooted both politically and culturally, had a particularly lasting impact on the formation of neo-Nazi and far-right movements. These currents created a language that stylized the enemy, particularly Jews, as scapegoats for all social and economic problems.They directly linked to the argumentative patterns formulated by Rosenberg. The repeated thematization of a supposed Jewish influence in various areas of society precisely corresponds to the strategy that can also be found in Nazi propaganda, in which Rosenberg played a key role. Neo-Nazi movements utilized not only the content but also the tactics of Rosenberg to advance their own agenda and create a dangerous connection between coming to terms with the past and current racist ideology. Rosenberg's ideas also found a new field of activity on the internet and social media. The digitization and spread of online platforms have enabled far-right groups to connect their ideologies with a new audience and to cloak old views in a modern guise. The easy access to information and networks allowed Rosenberg's theories and works to be received as quasi-religious texts within the neo-Nazi scene. His views were often cited in forums and social media to provide a supposed underpinning of their own racist worldview. Additionally, various far-right groups, which can be seen as heirs to Rosenberg's ideas, have repeatedly publicly united to strengthen their propaganda. Demonstrations, rallies, and other forms of protest were deliberately organized to draw attention to their views against an alleged "unjust" society.Here, too, Rosenberg's rhetoric played a crucial role as he repeatedly sought to emphasize the specific role of the "Aryan nation" while simultaneously discriminating against other ethnic groups. The mobilization of people under the banner of these ideas shows that the ideology shaped by Rosenberg could never be entirely imprisoned or banished. Ultimately, the influence of Rosenberg's ideas on neo-Nazi and far-right movements in post-war Germany is a troubling sign of how deeply rooted ideologies can continue to exert their effects even decades after their original outbreak. While societies seem to change and evolve, elements lurking in the dark corners of history continually remind us of the dangers of extremism and hatred. The lessons and ideologies articulated by Rosenberg are not just relics of the past; they still shape the current political landscape. Thus, it remains a challenge to recognize and actively confront the ideological abyss that Rosenberg and his thinking represent.
Alfred Rosenberg, one of the principal ideologists of National Socialism, is today a frequently cited example of extremist and inhumane ideologies that emerged in the 20th century. His mindset and associated beliefs were not only fundamental to Nazi ideology but have also profoundly influenced the mindsets of groups that emerged in the post-war period. Rosenberg's ideas about race, nationality, and the role of Judaism in society are striking illustrations of how inhumane thought can be embedded in political programs and movements.This is particularly relevant when considering the dynamics of extremism in the modern world, where comparable ideological currents are currently resurfacing. Rosenberg propagated an extremist racial doctrine that posited the superiority of the "Aryan race" and devalued other races. His conception of the "Aryan race" as bearers of a superior culture had a devastating influence on the politics of the NSDAP, leading to the discrimination and systematic persecution of minorities. In particular, the ideologization of anti-Semitism and the demonization of the Jewish population found a clear anti-Semitic justification in his writings. These views created an enemy image that served as the basis for political measures against Jews, who were perceived as a threat to German society by the Nazi regime. Rosenberg portrayed Jews as one of the main enemies of the "German people," which provided fertile ground for further persecution and the Holocaust. Another aspect of Rosenberg's ideology is the idea of "Lebensraum," which served as a justification for the aggressive expansionist policy of Nazi Germany. These concepts were not only propagated within Germany but were also spread in the context of imperial ambitions in Europe.Rosenberg emphasized the need for space for the "Aryan people" and portrayed a picture of a brutal struggle for survival that was considered necessary to ensure the survival of the "Aryan race." This aggressive stance led to the terrible atrocities that were to occur during World War II and paved the way for a totalitarian regime that ruthlessly implemented its ideology. Rosenberg's views are not only limited to the past; they can also be found in various contemporary extremist movements. Neo-Nazi groups often adopt his rhetoric and ideologies to legitimize their own inhumane actions. It is alarming to recognize that the principles and beliefs formulated by Rosenberg can still resonate with so many people. This transference of ideology into the present highlights the dangers posed by extremist thinking, as it can create a dangerous foundation for new forms of hate and discrimination. The way Rosenberg's mindset continues to influence the 21st century necessitates a critical engagement with the issue of extremism and the repercussions of racist ideologies. In a time when pop culture narratives and mass media shape large parts of society, it is crucial to address the emerging discourses and regard Rosenberg's views as a cautionary example.The reporting on his life and work can help raise awareness of the dangers of extremism and encourage critical reflection on the values and beliefs we would like to uphold as a society. Another aspect is that engaging with Rosenberg's ideology also points to the role of education and enlightenment. Education can and should serve as a means of preventing inhuman ideologies. By understanding the prefixes and consequences of Rosenberg's thinking, we can develop a deeper awareness of the current challenges in dealing with extremist ideologies. The fight against racism and anti-Semitism is still necessary and must be pursued with a well-founded historiography and critical dialogue. In summary, it can be said that Alfred Rosenberg's mindset not only marks a dark chapter in history but also serves as an example of the dangers posed by extremist and inhuman ideologies. The continual revival of such ideas in the social and political arena demands ongoing resistance and critical engagement to ensure that the atrocities of the past are not repeated.By examining the mechanisms and foundations of such ideologies, we can create the basis for a society built on respect, equality, and humanity.
