https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guide...pbk/revision/8
Step 6: Gleichschaltung
Gleichschaltung meant the co-ordination of all aspects of life in Germany to fit in with Hitler’s ideas and his authority.
Hitler extended his power to key organisations either by taking them over, abolishing them, or doing a deal with them.
Trade unions were abolished. On 2 May 1933, their leaders were arrested, their funds confiscated and strikes declared illegal. Workers lost the right to negotiate wage increases and improvements in working conditions. All workers had to join the German Labour Front (DAF), which was run by Dr. Robert Ley. Within two years, 20 million workers had joined DAF. They gave up their workers’ rights in return for the perks offered by the new Strength Through Joy (KdF) movement and because they feared the SS.
The Catholic church signed an agreement with Hitler. The Concordat (agreement) was signed with the Pope in July 1933. It allowed Hitler to increase his power in Germany without opposition from the Catholic Church, in return for the latter being allowed to run its schools and youth movement without interference. However, Hitler did not keep his promise and by 1935 there was friction between the Catholic Church and the Nazis.
The establishment of the People's Courts. Hitler set up the Nazi People's Courts where judges had to swear an oath of loyalty to the Nazis.
Nazification of local government and elimination of rival political parties was also part of Gleichschaltung.
By August 1934, Hitler was in control of Germany.
He held a plebiscite (referendum) on 19 August 1934. Almost 90 per cent voted that they approved of Hitler becoming Führer.
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