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I know that the Nazis hated communism but it is a bit ironic that they themselves had the word socialism in their party's name (National Socialist German Workers' Party. Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei in German).

My question is that is there any evidence of any socialist elements in Nazi policies or agendas?

If not then why did the Nazi party have the word socialism in its very name?

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    There was in fact a socialist wing within the Nazis, though they were purged pretty early.
    – Semaphore
    Commented Dec 28, 2020 at 11:47
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    As well as rejecting communism, the Nazis also rejected what they saw as bourgeois capitalism (and its semitic associations), though they were hand in glove with various powerful industrialists. It at least purported to be a "peoples movement" hence Volkswagen - people's car. But the questiion you raise is a very good one, on which a considered essay might be written. It is difficult to answer in a few words. It was socialism within a racial context, whereas Marxist socialism was conceived as internationalist. Naziism certainly rejects the internationalism of socialism.
    – WS2
    Commented Dec 28, 2020 at 11:51
  • @JamesK Yes. There is a very good answer provided to that question to which the OP should refer.
    – WS2
    Commented Dec 28, 2020 at 12:01
  • @JamesK Yes there is a good answer provided at that question. Perhaps the word Volkisch rather than socialist applies. And that notion was not not at all new to German history.
    – WS2
    Commented Dec 28, 2020 at 12:04
  • The Nazis added socialism to their name to win votes. It was completely a ruse and nothing else. Fascism and socialism have nothing in common. In fact, countless socialists and communists were killed by the Nazis b/c of their beliefs.
    – Beginner Biker
    Commented Dec 28, 2020 at 16:36

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