Gauleiter

Gauleiter
Country	Nazi Germany
Service branch	Nazi Party
Abbreviation	GL
Rank	Political rank
Formation	27 February 1925; 99 years ago (27 February 1925)
Abolished	8 May 1945; 79 years ago (8 May 1945)
Next higher rank	Reichsleiter
Next lower rank	Kreisleiter

A Gauleiter (German pronunciation: [ˈɡaʊlaɪtɐ]) was a regional leader of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) who served as the head of a Gau or Reichsgau. Gauleiter was the third-highest rank in the Nazi political leadership, subordinate only to Reichsleiter and to the Führer himself. The position was effectively abolished with the fall of the Nazi regime on 8 May 1945.