Hitler visits Mussolini in Venice, tensions rise within the SA, mistaken identity leads to press confusion, Night of the Long Knives executed by Hitler, previewing the rise of Hitler and Genghis Khan.
Hitler executes a ruthless purge, known as the Night of the Long Knives, to suppress dissidents and maintain control.
Adolf Hitler solidifies his role as the supreme leader of Germany by merging the positions of President and Chancellor, gaining absolute control over the armed forces.
Deep dives
Hitler's Struggles with International Relations
Adolf Hitler's visit to Benito Mussolini in Venice signals his growing international isolation after Germany's withdrawal from the League of Nations. Hitler's attempts at diplomacy with other nations, such as sending congratulatory telegrams to the US President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, are seen as disingenuous by critics.
The SA's Dissatisfaction and Hitler's Purge
The SA, Hitler's street army, becomes dissatisfied with his leadership due to his alignment with big business and failure to pursue a more radical revolution. Hitler fears an army coup and executes a ruthless purge, later known as the Night of the Long Knives, resulting in the deaths of up to 200 people, including Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA.
Hitler's Merger of Presidency and Chancellorship
Upon President Hindenburg's death, Adolf Hitler merges the positions of President and Chancellor, solidifying his role as the supreme leader of Germany. The military swears allegiance to Hitler personally, cementing his absolute control over the armed forces.
The Rise of the Third Reich
With Hitler's consolidation of power, Germany enters a new phase, known as the Third Reich. Hitler implements a totalitarian regime, suppressing dissent and commanding unwavering loyalty from the German people. It marks the beginning of a dark era in history, characterized by devastating war and horrific atrocities.
To ward off the Western Allies, Hitler takes a trip to Venice to visit Mussolini. At home, meanwhile, Hitler’s paramilitaries, the SA, are growing restless. In a final savage act, the mother of all purges, Hitler will liquidate anyone who has ever wronged him. Under the unassailable German Führer, the Third Reich will begin…
A Noiser production, written by Jeff Dawson.
Scroll to Season 2 for episodes on Hitler’s early years.
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