Developing skills in history
Problem, Solution, Impact

The SA (Sturmabteilung) had been a key part in the growth of the Nazis and by 1933 they were well known across Germany. Most of the SA were working class people who favoured the socialist views of the Nazi programme and hoped that Hitler would introduce reforms to help the workers. Röhm, the leader of the SA, wanted to incorporate the army into the SA and was disappointed by Hitler’s close relations with wealthy industrialists and army leaders. Röhm had strong ideas about how the government should operate in order to bring about greater equality. Clearly, this was a threat to Hitler. Hitler’s personal bodyguard, the SS (Schutzstaffel) led by Himmler, wished to break away from the SA, while Goering (Head of the Gestapo) wanted to lead the army himself and saw Röhm as a threat. In June 1934, Himmler informed Hitler that Röhm was about to seize power. Hitler now had to choose between the SA and the army. On 30th June 1940, Röhm and the main SA leaders were shot dead by members of the SS in what became known as ‘The Night of the Long Knives’. In total, around 400 were murdered in the purge. The event was seen as a turning point for Hitler. He eradicated potential opponents whilst securing the support of the all-important army, who swore their loyalty to Hitler following the death of Hindenburg in August 1934. Aside from strengthening Hitler’s position and relegating the remainder of the SA, it was also clear that fear and terror would now play significant roles in Hitler’s strategy.