Gleichschaltung (pronounced glyke-shalt-oong)

Definition

• Gleichschaltung (pronounced glyke-shalt-oong) means “coordination” or “bringing into line” in German.
• In the context of Nazi Germany, Gleichschaltung was the process by which the Nazis took total control of all aspects of German life — including politics, media, culture, education, and society — to make sure everyone followed Nazi ideas and loyalty to Hitler.

Key Points

• Began in 1933, after Hitler became Chancellor.
• All political parties (except the Nazi Party) were banned.
• Trade unions were abolished and replaced by the Nazi-run German Labour Front (DAF).
• State governments were taken over by Nazis.
• Media, newspapers, radio, and schools were brought under Nazi control.
• Groups like the Hitler Youth and League of German Girls were used to influence young people.
• It helped turn Germany into a one-party dictatorship.

Why It Matters:
Gleichschaltung was crucial for turning Germany into a totalitarian state, where Hitler had complete power and opposition was crushed.