Nazi salute

File:Hitler 1928 crop.jpg

The Nazi salute, also known as the Hitler salute (German: Hitlergruß), is a gesture that was used as a greeting in Nazi Germany. The salute is performed by extending the right arm from the neck into the air with a straightened hand. Usually, the words "Heil Hitler!" (Hail Hitler!) or "Sieg Heil!" (Hail Victory!) accompanied the gesture. It was adopted in the early 1930s by the Nazi Party to signal obedience to the party's leader, Adolf Hitler, and to glorify the German nation.

History

The Nazi salute was based on the Roman salute, which was a gesture used in ancient Rome. The gesture was popularized in the 1920s and 1930s by the Italian Fascist Party under Benito Mussolini. The Nazi Party adopted the salute to symbolize unity and power.

Usage

The salute became mandatory for all public employees in 1933, and it was used by civilians and military personnel alike. It was a common sight at Nazi rallies, where thousands of people would perform the salute in unison. The gesture was also used in everyday interactions, such as greetings and farewells.

Legal Status

After the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945, the salute was banned in Germany and Austria. Today, it is illegal to perform the Nazi salute in these countries, and doing so can result in criminal charges. The salute is also considered a hate symbol in many other countries and is associated with neo-Nazi groups.

Cultural Impact

The Nazi salute has left a lasting impact on popular culture and is often depicted in films, literature, and other media as a symbol of totalitarianism and oppression. It is also used in various forms of protest and satire to criticize authoritarian regimes.

See Also

• Nazi symbolism
• Nazi Party
• Adolf Hitler
• Third Reich
• World War II
• Fascism
• Roman salute
• Neo-Nazism

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