In Erik Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts," the author describes how the coordination of society under Nazi rule happened at a surprisingly rapid pace. This phenomenon, dubbed Selbstgleichschaltung or "self-coordination," led to a major transformation in everyday life across Germany, impacting even areas not directly affected by specific legislation. The willingness of the German populace to conform to Nazi ideals resulted in sweeping changes that altered the social landscape dramatically.

As a consequence of these transformations, individuals returning to Germany after a trip found themselves in a profoundly changed environment. Friends and acquaintances they once knew had adopted new ideologies and behaviors that made them almost unrecognizable. This eerie shift can be likened to a horror movie scenario, where familiar faces become strangers, reflecting the unsettling and pervasive reach of Nazi influence on society during that era.