The Night of the Long Knives marked a critical juncture in Nazi Germany, where Hitler executed a purge to eliminate the SA leadership and other threats. This event led to the SA's decline, the SS's rise, and the solidification of Hitler's dictatorship. It exemplifies the lengths to which Hitler went to consolidate power and establish a totalitarian state, reshaping the political landscape of Germany.
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The SA, also known as the Brownshirts, was established in 1921 and functioned as the Nazi Party's paramilitary branch, notorious for its aggressive tactics against political opponents
Influence of Ernst Rohm
Under the leadership of Ernst Rohm, the SA grew to about 2 million men and surpassed the German Army in size, making Rohm a formidable figure within the Nazi leadership
The Night of the Long Knives in 1934 saw Adolf Hitler eliminate the SA's leadership and other perceived threats to solidify his control over Nazi Germany
The Night of the Long Knives, from June 30 to July 2, 1934, saw Adolf Hitler eliminate the SA's leadership and other perceived threats to solidify his control over Nazi Germany
Individuals Targeted
The Night of the Long Knives targeted not only the SA, but also a wide array of individuals whom Hitler deemed as obstacles to his absolute rule
Notable Victims
Victims included Gregor Strasser, Kurt von Schleicher, and numerous conservative adversaries and military figures
The Night of the Long Knives had profound implications for Hitler's authority in Germany, diminishing the SA's power and elevating the SS as the preeminent force in the Nazi power structure
The SA's diminished role and the SS's ascension meant that internal challenges to Hitler's leadership were virtually eliminated
The German Army, previously concerned about the SA's potential to overshadow it, now swore loyalty to Hitler, reinforcing his dominance
President Paul von Hindenburg's endorsement of Hitler's actions during the Night of the Long Knives removed the last significant check on Hitler's power, enabling him to solidify his dictatorship
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Origins of SA members
SA ranks filled by Freikorps, demobilized soldiers with nationalist and anti-Communist views.
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SA nickname and reason
Known as Brownshirts due to the color of their uniforms, symbolizing their identity.
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SA size comparison to German Army, 1933
By 1933, SA's size exceeded the German Army, with approximately 2 million men.
