The “marriage” of the party and the Volk (people) was celebrated once a year (mid-September) in Nazi Germany at the infamous party rally in Nuremberg. A central aspect of the Hitler State was Gleichschaltung (coordination) and hence the establishment of the Volksgemeinschaft (Volk-community). Gleichschaltung meant to bring all sectors of state and society under Nazi control. In this sense, the Nazis already could look back on remarkable achievements in 1933 as my previous essay [Tobias Schepanek, Gleichschaltung: Nazi Accomplishments after Six Months in Power, Melbourne, Australia (attached to this essay)] points out. But what kind of resistance against this policy occurred within the German people, and where did the Nazis fail to reach their goal of total coordination? To answer this question and to measure the success of resistance, my essay will also raise the question of what role Gleichschaltung played in the establishment of the Hitler-State before the outbreak of War in 1939.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Context
- Failure (and Achievements) of Gleichschaltung
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores the implementation and effectiveness of Gleichschaltung (coordination) in Nazi Germany, specifically focusing on instances where this policy failed to achieve its goal of total control over society. It examines the degree to which resistance from various sectors of German society undermined Nazi efforts to create a Volksgemeinschaft (Volk-community).
- The concept of Gleichschaltung and its intended role in establishing the Volksgemeinschaft.
- The contradictions between Nazi ideology and its implementation, particularly in relation to the roles of men and women in society.
- The impact of Gleichschaltung on various sectors, including the labour movement, the civil service, and the judicial system.
- The limitations of Gleichschaltung in achieving total control, highlighting areas of resistance and dissent.
- The role of Gleichschaltung in the establishment of the Hitler-State before the outbreak of World War II.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This section introduces the concept of Gleichschaltung and the Volksgemeinschaft in Nazi Germany. It also outlines the essay's purpose: to examine the limitations and failures of Gleichschaltung, particularly in relation to resistance within German society.
- Context: This section provides historical context by outlining the implementation of Gleichschaltung from 1933 onwards. It describes how the Nazis sought to control all aspects of German life through promises and threats, aiming to establish a national community based on blood, soil, and race. It also highlights the price paid for this community, which was the loss of individual freedom.
- Failure (and Achievements) of Gleichschaltung: This section delves into the contradictions between Nazi ideology and its practical implementation, showcasing how Gleichschaltung failed to achieve total control. The essay examines specific cases, including the roles of men and women in the workforce, the organization of labour unions, the control of the civil service, and the judicial system.
Keywords
Key terms and topics explored in this essay include Gleichschaltung, Volksgemeinschaft, Nazi ideology, resistance, labour movement, civil service, judiciary, women's roles, political opposition, and the Hitler-State.
- Quote paper
- Tobias Schepanek (Author), 2005, "Gleichschaltung" and where it failed, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/48629
