The Night of the Long Knives

Took place on 30th June 1934

This happened because, both the Army and SA posed a threat to Hitler’s power.

SA - Sturm Abteilung

• Paramilitary Group, led by Ernst Rohm

• 3 Million members

• posed a threat to the army, as Rohm wanted them to be integrated into the official army; the no. of SA members outnumbered the no. of army members - SA would essentially become the new army

The Army

• Loyal to Hindenburg, as president

• 100,000 members (Treaty of Versailles, compliant)

• The Army associated the SA with Hitler and saw the SA as a threat & as such opposed Hitler

• Additionally because they're loyal to Hindenburg, it was possible for the Army to have implemented a military regime & posed a major opposition to Hitler's power