Gleichschaltung

Gleichschaltung

Federal States
1. Germany had a strong historical tradition of Particularism since unification in 1871
2. Used to be independent states as large self-governing states with the unitary Reich
3. Nazis desired to create a fully unified country
4. Nazi activists had exploited judicial freedom of Feb-March 1933 to intimidate opponents and infiltrate federal governments
Trade Unions
1. German organised labour was hostile to Nazism
2. The Depression had already severely weakened the force by reducing membership and will to resist
3. Trade Unions deceived themselves into believing they could work with the Nazis
4. The Nazis declare 1st May a national holiday, giving impression of co-operation
Political Parties
1. Nazism rejected democracy
2. They aspired to establish authoritarian rule within a one party state
3. The communists had been proscribed since tthe Reichstag fire
4. 22nd June, Social Democrats were officially banned
5. All other major parties including Nationalists, adopted a policy of self-Gleichschaltung
6. 14th July, Government decree proclaiming Nazi Party as only legal party in Germany
Business and Industry
1. Forced into single organisation
2. Businessmen and industrialists rapidly declared loyalty to regime
3. Co-ordinated by Reich Chancellor
4. Able to manage own affairs
5. Not subordinated to Nazi Party
6. Big Business a "clear marker of its independence"
Education, the Media and Culture
1. Goebbels controlled broadcasting and ensured news coverage in newspapers and radio was favourable to the government
2. Introduced new syllabuses in schools and universities
3. All teacher associations into National Teachers' Organisation
4. Nazi students terrorized Lecturers, forcing resignations or pro-Nazi teachings
5. All intellectual workers forced to join Reich Chamber of Culture to keep check on activities
Churches
1. Catholic
  1. 14th July Concordant
  2. Appoint own clergy
  3. Parents allowed to demand Christian Faith Schools
  4. Article 31 to combine Catholic Youth with Hitler Youth
2. Evangelical
  1. Hoped to reorganise into one united Reich Church
  2. Müller's appointment challenged Pastor's Emergency League
  3. Two bishops arrested with Müller's attempt to intimidate opponents
  4. PEL set up separate Confessing Church

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	Created by Smyles over 10 years ago