Facts about how the Nazi built links between their party and the German government

1. Gleichschaltung
[Co-ordination]
of fronts and party
organisations

2. When Hitler became Chancellor
he planned a process where the
Nazis would take control of all
aspects of German society.
This would be achieved in part
by merging key German
organisations with sections of
the Nazi Party, in a process
known as Gleichschaltung (or
Coordination).

3. Numerous organisations which
had been part of the Nazi Party
became groups that all Germans
had to join.
This included the Hitler Youth,
and professional groups such as
the German Lawyers’ Front or
the National Socialist
Teachers League. Trade unions
were scrapped in favour of the
German Labour Front.

4. The Nazis also sought to control
the information that Germans
received.
The Propaganda Ministry set
up in 1933 allowed Joseph
Goebbels that chance to control
different forms of media
including film and radio.
The Nazis gradually influenced
and controlled newspapers too.

5. In March 1933 the Nazis also
dissolved all state
governments.
Control of each state was given
to a Reichsstatthalter (Reich
Governor) who would oversee
the running of that area.
The one exception was Prussia,
where Hitler himself was in
ultimate control.

6. Hitler’s self-appointment as
Chancellor and President
further consolidated these links
and coordination.
In addition the army’s decision
to pledge an oath of allegiance –
and the military and police
control exerted by Heinrich
Himmler – were more examples
of the Nazis’ domination.

7. Historians’ views
• Claudia Koonz: “Gleichschaltung occurred so stealthily that
most Germans hardly noticed.”
• Dean Stroud: Gleichschaltung was to be achieved in two ways.
Germans would be encouraged to support the regime. However
if they did not do so then stronger methods, including changing
laws, would be used instead.
• Tobias Schepanek: Nazis were placed in vital positions in key
organisations but other workers were intimidated to ensure
they backed the Nazi regime.