the night of the long knifes 30th of june 1934 Flashcards
why did the SA have differing aims to hitler?
- the SA wanted further political and social revolution they wanted positions of power as they felt they had done most of the ground work for Hitlers rise to power
- Ernst Rohm (leader of SA) wanted to merge with the Reichwehr (army)
why were the SA an embarrassment to Hitler?
their thuggish reputation, made Hindenburg and elites concerned about the SA and Papen publicly spoke of the need for the president to control Hitler. + Rohm was openly gay and there was lots of homosexuality in the SA.
how did Rohm openly display views against Hitler from May 1933?
he criticised the regime, denouncing Gobbels, and calling Hitler dishonest.
when was the knight of the long knifes?
29th of june 1934
what was the knight of the long knifes?
the leadership of the SA met in Munich, this was ambushed by SS troop sent by HItler that arrested Rohm and other top leaders, many others were shot as soon as they were located and Rohm was shot by two SS executioners in his cell when he refused to commit suicide.
how did Hitler announce the purge of the SA and who supported it?
He said it was a necessary action as the leaders were apart of a treason plot and he had done it to protect the people.
the army were on Hitlers side as they did not want to merge with the SA.
when was the purge of the SA announced?
13th of July 1934
what happened to the SA after the night of the long knifes?
- some of its members were absorbed into the SS
- its size was reduced by 40%
- they became a propaganda show piece at rallies and little more than a military sports and training body.
what was the importance of the night of the night of knifes?
Hitler was able to consolidate his power:
- he gained the approval and support of the army, they repaid this debt by swearing themselves to him after his his succession to Hindenburg.
- intimidated conservative critics like Papen
- he ended opposition that was building from conservatives by assuring them that he was in control of the SA
- it revealed that the German people would accept executions and was an important step toward s the holocaust.
why was the SA a threat to Hitler?
they were too big with 4.5 million men
