Abstract
During the period between 1933 and 1945 the racial theory of National Socialism underwent enormous variations. It is possible to observe four different phases, some of which overlap in time. The first of these is based on the existence of a superior 'Aryan' race and defined by Hitler in Mein Kampf. This second stage, which ended around 1934, was characterized by the uncritical acceptance of Hans Günther's theses. Günther idea is centered on the Nordic breed: a tall, long-legged, thin, with average height, among males, about 1.74 m. Hair color is blonde. The stream of thought emanating from Hans Günther is known as Nordicism. The fact that about 95% of the German population, as well as almost the entire top leadership of the NSDAP, qualified as 'bastards-à-la-Günther', the Party was unable to accept such a conclusion. This was the generator of the third stage of NS racial theory. This phase is defined by an entire rejection of Günther's Nordicism. In Nuremberg, on the Day of the Party of 1933, Hitler declared: 'We do not conclude from the physical type of a man his ability, but from his achievements his race’. The fourth stage of the NS racial theory is fully demonstrated when the Waffen SS begins to welcome non-Nordic elements into its ranks. Since this fourth stage of National Socialist Racial Theory was interrupted in 1945, it is very difficult to predict what its end would have been.