Who was the leader of the fascist movement known as Nazism in the early 20th century?

The leader of the fascist movement known as Nazism in the early 20th century was Adolf Hitler. He rose to prominence in Germany during the 1920s and became Chancellor in 1933, subsequently leading the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party). Under Hitler's rule, the ideology of Nazism included extreme nationalism, racial superiority, anti-Semitism, and the pursuit of expansive aggressive policies that led to World War II and the Holocaust. His totalitarian regime was characterized by the suppression of dissent, state-controlled propaganda, and widespread human rights abuses.

Understanding the historical context of Hitler's leadership is crucial because his actions and policies have had a profound and lasting impact on global history, shaping modern discussions on fascism, race, and authoritarian governance. Other figures mentioned while notable in their own contexts, do not represent Nazism specifically; rather, they were leaders of different regimes and ideologies during the same period.