Why did Hitler stage the Night of the Long Knives Flashcards
(3 cards)
Why did Hitler stage the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler worried that the SA could stage a ‘SECOND REVOLUTION’. The SA were worried that Hitler was ‘selling out’ to the right. Under Rohm, the SA was pushing for a social revolution. The political revolution that had occurred, did not, they believed, go far enough.
Hitler needed the army to consolidate his regime. He had to choose between the SA and the army. The two could not be merged. The army (with conservative generals) despised the SA (mostly working class). The army were better trained, better equipped and greater in number. Rohm was a threat to Hitler and had increasingly become vocal in his criticism of him. Hitler could not tolerate this threat to his authority. Hitler was worried that the SA was ‘running away with themselves’ and had to act decisively to put an end to their discontent.
What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives?
Opposition was removed and any further opposition would result in being killed in ‘self-defence of the state.’ The army were grateful to Hitler and were ready to swear an oath of loyalty to him. Hitler had gained control of the SA and the army - total control was almost complete.
“…Everyone must know for all future time that if he raises his hand to strike the State, then certain death is his fate…..” - Hitler speaking about the Night of the Long Knives
What happened legally after the Night of the Long Knives?
The actions of the Night of the Long Knives were legalised afterwards by a law passed in the Reichstag on 3rd July. It said: “The measures taken on the 30th June, 1st, 2nd July to strike down the treasonous attacks are justifiable acts of self-defence by the state”
Legalised afterwards
