The Nazi term Gleichschaltung (German pronunciation: [ˈɡlaɪçʃaltʊŋ]), meaning “synchronization” or “bringing into line”, was the process of Nazification by which Adolf Hitler—leader of the Nazi Party in Germany—established a system of totalitarian control and coordination over all aspects of German society “from the economy and trade associations to the media, culture and education”.

photo: 1938 Nuremberg Rally postcard, from the NSDAP Central Publishing House. A Nazi Reichsadler, or “Reich’s Eagle,” towers over Germany and Austria.