The Night of the Long Knives

• What date did the Night of the Long Knives occur?

  30th June 1934
• How did Hitler use the SA to consolidate power?

  He used them to intimidate political opponents
• What happened to the importance of the SA after the Enabling Act?

  The importance of the SA diminished significantly
• What was the membership of the SA in January 1934?

  4.5 million
• Why did the SA feel resentment after the March 1933 election?

  They felt they were no longer useful to Hitler
• Who remained loyal to Hindenburg in June 1934?

  The army
• What was the significance of Papen's speech on June 17th?

  It increased pressure on Hitler to act against the SA
• What was the codename for the Night of the Long Knives?

  Operation Hummingbird
• Why was Ernst Röhm targeted during the purge?

  He threatened Hitler's authority and called for violence
• What was General Schleicher's role in relation to Hitler?

  He was a political opponent who sabotaged the Nazis
• Why was Gregor Strasser killed during the Night of the Long Knives?

  He was a rival for control of the Nazi Party
• What did Gustav von Kahr do in 1923?

  He helped prevent Hitler's Munich Putsch
• Why was Edgar Jung targeted during the purge?

  He was an opponent of the Nazi regime
• What was Hitler's main goal in carrying out the Night of the Long Knives?

  To consolidate his power and eliminate rivals
• How did Heinrich Himmler benefit from the Night of the Long Knives?

  Power shifted to the SS, enhancing their control
• What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives for Hitler?

  It secured loyalty from the army and removed rivals
• What happened to the SA's membership by October 1935?

  It declined to 1.6 million
• How did the Night of the Long Knives affect the SS?

  It elevated the SS to a dominant force
• What was the army's response to Hitler after Hindenburg's death?

  They swore an oath of personal loyalty to him
• Who was the Defence Minister during the Night of the Long Knives?

  Werner von Blomberg
• What did Blomberg do on July 1st, 1934?

  He gave a public vote of thanks to Hitler
• What were the consequences of the Night of the Long Knives for Hitler, the SA, the SS, and the army?

  • For Hitler:
  • Consolidated power and secured army loyalty
  • Removed political opponents
  • Gained favor from Conservatives

  
  

  • For the SA:
  • Power diminished and influence decreased
  • Membership declined to 1.6 million

  
  

  • For the SS:
  • Elevated to a dominant force
  • Gained control over police forces

  
  

  • For the army:
  • Full support for Hitler after Hindenburg's death