Gleichschaltung
Nazification process of German society
What was Gleichschaltung?
In Nazi terminology, Gleichschaltung, meaning 'synchronization' or 'coordination', was the process of Nazification by which Adolf Hitler—leader of the Nazi Party in Germany—established a system of totalitarian control and coordination over all aspects of German society "from the economy and trade associations to the media, culture and education".
Gleichschaltung is tied to July 14, 1933. Key people connected to the event include Adolf Hitler.
Why Gleichschaltung still matters
This article provides a nuanced understanding of the Gleichschaltung decree and its role in the Nazi regime's rise to power. By integrating primary source material with scholarly analysis, it offers a detailed examination of the decree's legal provisions, implementation tactics, and immediate aftermath. The article's focus on the concrete legal provisions and implementation tactics of the decree provides a unique perspective on the Nazi regime's ability to co-opt legal frameworks and institutions, and serves as a warning to democracies around the world. The article's use of specific examples and case studies, such as the reconstitution of the Prussian Landtag and the implementation of the Nuremberg Laws, adds depth and complexity to the analysis, and highlights the importance of understanding the historical context in which the decree was enacted.
Abolition of German Political Parties — July 14, 1933 connects Gleichschaltung to a specific historical date. Adolf Hitler issues Gleichschaltung decree, abolishing all German parties except Nazis in Germany on July 14, 1933, solidifying his power.