Neo Nazism In Canada Essay

Neo-Nazism in Canada

Neo-Nazis are those who believed in many of the Nazi philosophies that dominated Europe in World War II. These groups have anti-Semitic and white supremacist beliefs. They often idolize Adolf Hitler and pursue to follow many of the same practices as the Nazi party of Germany. The swastika and other Nazi symbols are commonly used by Neo-Nazis. Unstable economic, social, and political circumstances are a contributing factor in the rise of Neo-Nazism. Just as Hitler was able to leverage post-WWI depression to his advantage. The formation of Neo-Nazism in Canada was due to the rise of white supremacist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan which had expanded into Canada (specifically the Prairies) by the 1920s. However, as Adolf Hitler was assuming control of Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, Adrien Arcand’s dominated the white supremacist front in Canada. After World War II, racism and Nazism lost popularity, and far-right white supremacist movements faded into the background.

He led a series of "fascist" political movements between 1929-1967. During his political career he proclaimed himself the "Canadian Führer" (Canadian Guide). Arcand published and edited several anti-Semitic newspapers during this period, most notably Le Goglu, Le Fascist Canadian and Le Combat National. In 1934, he created the National Social Christian Party, and in 1938 his party merged with the Prairie provinces' Canadian Nationalist Party and Ontario’s Nationalist Party. Arcand was chosen to be the leader of this new National Unity Party of Canada, however, the party was banned during World War II under the Defense of Canada Regulations. Arcand and the members of his party were arrested and imprisoned throughout the duration of the war. After the fall of Nazi Germany, Arcand lost popularity and influence, but continued promoting anti-communism and