Gleichschaltung (“coordination”) Flashcards

What does Gleichschaltung mean in Nazi Germany?

It means “coordination”. It was the Nazi plan to bring all parts of German life under their control in 1933 and 1934.

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When did Gleichschaltung mainly take place?

In 1933 and 1934, after Hitler became Chancellor.

How did the Nazis take control of the German states (Länder) in 1933?

They dissolved state parliaments and replaced them with Nazi-led ones. Then they appointed Reich Governors to run each state.

What did the Law for the Reconstruction of the Reich (January 1934) do?

It ended state parliaments. Germany became a central state run from Berlin.

What was the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service (April 1933)?

It removed Jews and political opponents from government jobs. This brought the civil service and schools under Nazi control.

What happened to trade unions under Gleichschaltung?

On 2 May 1933 unions were shut and leaders were arrested. Workers had to join the German Labour Front (DAF).

Which law made the Nazi Party the only legal party?

The Law Against the Formation of New Parties (14 July 1933). It made the Nazi Party the only legal party in Germany.

How did the Nazis control culture and the arts?

Goebbels set up the Reich Chamber of Culture in September 1933. Artists, writers, and musicians had to join and follow Nazi rules to work.

How did the Nazis control newspapers?

In October 1933 a press law let the Nazis censor papers. Non‑Nazi and Jewish editors were sacked.

How were the courts brought into line during Gleichschaltung?

Special Courts (1933) and the People’s Court (April 1934) tried political cases. Judges were pressured to rule the Nazi way.

How were schools and youth groups coordinated?

Teachers had to join the Nazi Teachers’ League. Textbooks were rewritten, and the Hitler Youth became the main youth group.

What happened to independent clubs and societies?

Many were merged into Nazi bodies or shut down. Only Nazi‑approved groups were allowed to operate.

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