AIMS OF RÖHM AND THE SA: The SA tended to represent the populist, anti-capitalist, left-wing of the Nazi Party. They placed much more emphasis on the socialist elements of the Party program than Hitler ever did. SA had played a vital role in the years of struggle by winning the political battle in the streets. Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA, and his troops (about two and a half million “committed” Nazis) were disappointed by the limited personal benefits they received when NSDAP took over Germany and they were very critical against the compromises the regime made with the conservative establishment. Röhm and SA called for a second, more radical revolution, against the forces of the old German establishment. Röhm said in an interview early 1934 that the Nazis had “to produce something new” - - - “The generals are a lot of old fogeys. They never had a new idea… I’m the nucleus of the new army…”

AIMS OF THE ARMY: SA and Röhm’s plan of a second, more radical revolution worried the army who saw their traditional role and status being directly threatened. Hitler needed the support of the army; they could unseat him from his position of power. They were also the only ones that possessed the military skills which were vital to the success of Hitler’s foreign policy aims. In 1934 the problems were more acute since it became apparent that President Hindenburg did not have much longer to live. If Hitler wanted to assume the presidency without any opposition and avoid an election it was necessary to secure the army’s unqualified backing. This could only be done with the elimination of SA and their leaders…

THE PURGE (June 30th 1934): Although there are now written evidence it is known that Hitler and the army generals met on the battleship Deutschland in April 1934. Two months later President Hindenburg and general von Blomberg gave Hitler a final ultimatum; “Deal strongly with the SA or the army will take over”. On the 30th of June 1934, the “Night of the Long Knives”, Hitler eliminated the SA as a political and military force once for all. Röhm and the main leaders were shot by members of the SS – although the weapons and transport were provided by the army! A few other people were killed during this night; General von Schleicher (former Chancellor) and Gregor Strasser (the leader of the socialist/anti-capitalist wing of the Nazi Party). About 400 people were altogether murdered during the night… Hitler obviously had the support of the army leadership and the President. He also had the support of Göring (in charge of the Gestapo – Geheime Staatspolizei, the “secret police”) and Himmler (who was in charge of the SS). Now SS became a major rival to the army officer class within the hierarchy of the Nazi state!

DEATH OF HINDENBURG (August 1st 1934): When Hindenburg died on August 1st Hitler was able to merge the offices of Chancellor and President. He now took the official new title of Führer. Now the army had to swear an oath of personal allegiance to him as Supreme Commander of the Armed forces and head of the German state! At a referendum August 19th Hitler was given the power as absolute dictator with 38 million votes against 4.25 million.