404. The Nazis in Power: The Night of the Long Knives (Part 1)
Jan 1, 2024
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The podcast discusses the Night of the Long Knives, a faction fight within the Nazis, Hitler's visit to a labor camp, his planning of a coup against his own allies, mistaken killings during the purge, Hitler's announcement and justification, and his rise to sole leadership.
57:08
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Quick takeaways
The Night of the Long Knives was a brutal purge orchestrated by Adolf Hitler to eliminate his political rivals and consolidate his power.
Following the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler further consolidated his power and solidified his position as the sole leader of Nazi Germany.
The Night of the Long Knives played a crucial role in the development of the cult of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany.
Deep dives
Night of the Long Knives: Hitler purges the SA and consolidates power
The Night of the Long Knives, which took place from June 30 to July 2, 1934, was a brutal purge orchestrated by Adolf Hitler to eliminate his political rivals and consolidate his power. Hitler targeted the Sturmabteilung (SA), also known as the stormtroopers, who had become increasingly unruly and were viewed as a threat to his leadership. Under the guise of stopping a fictional coup plot, Hitler ordered the arrest and execution of SA members, including their leader Ernst Röhm. Additionally, Hitler used the opportunity to eliminate conservative opponents and rivals within the Nazi party and the military. The purge resulted in the death of approximately 85 individuals and solidified Hitler's control over the German government and military. The Nazi regime portrayed the events as necessary for the stability and security of Germany, and the German public largely supported the actions, viewing them as a means to restore order and eliminate internal threats.
Aftermath of the Night of the Long Knives: Hitler's power is further consolidated
Following the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler further consolidated his power and solidified his position as the sole leader of Nazi Germany. The SA, which had once been a powerful and influential paramilitary organization, was effectively dismantled and incorporated into the Nazi party and the SS. Hitler used the events to sow fear and establish himself as the ultimate arbiter of German destiny. The army, which had expressed concerns about Hitler's increasing power, was purged of potential dissenters and brought under tighter control. Hitler capitalized on the events to present himself as the undisputed leader of Germany and as the only force capable of restoring order and strength to the nation. The German public, by and large, supported Hitler's actions, viewing them as necessary measures to eliminate internal threats and to restore stability.
Legacy and significance of the Night of the Long Knives
The Night of the Long Knives was a pivotal moment in Hitler's rise to power and his consolidation of control over Nazi Germany. The purge demonstrated Hitler's ruthless determination to eliminate any opposition and solidify his personal authority. It secured his position as the undisputed leader of Germany and established a climate of fear and obedience within the Nazi party and German society at large. The events of the purge also showed the power and influence of Hitler's propaganda machine, which successfully portrayed the events as necessary for the stability and security of the nation. The Night of the Long Knives marked a turning point in Nazi Germany, as Hitler's grip on power tightened, paving the way for further atrocities and the eventual outbreak of World War II.
Public reaction to the Night of the Long Knives
The night of the Long Knives received mixed reactions from the German public. While there was a certain level of shock and unease at the brutal actions taken by Hitler and the Nazi regime, many Germans welcomed the purge as a means of restoring stability and order in a time of political uncertainty. The SA, with their street violence and radicalism, had become increasingly unpopular among sections of the German population, and Hitler's actions were seen by some as necessary to rein in their excesses. Additionally, the perception that Hitler was acting decisively to eliminate internal threats and solidify his power resonated with those who desired a strong leader who could deliver economic stability and restore Germany to greatness. The events of the Night of the Long Knives further solidified Hitler's image as a powerful and decisive leader, cementing his authority and gaining support from a significant portion of the German public.
The Night of the Long Knives and the Cult of Hitler
The Night of the Long Knives played a crucial role in the development of the cult of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. The events of the purge allowed Hitler to present himself as the supreme leader, the savior of Germany, and the only one capable of protecting the nation from its enemies and guaranteeing its prosperity. Hitler's actions, portrayed as necessary for the stability and security of the country, further entrenched the image of him as a strong and decisive leader who would do whatever it took to preserve the greatness of the German nation. Propaganda and public rallies were employed to propagate the myth of Hitler as the infallible and unquestionable leader, a godlike figure who embodied the destiny and will of the German people. The cult of Hitler and the indoctrination of the German public became central to Nazi ideology and played a significant role in sustaining Hitler's power and control over Germany.
“Hitler had entered Röhm’s bedroom alone with a whip in his hand. Behind him had stood two detectives holding pistols, with the safety catch removed, at the ready…”
The 30th of June 1934 saw a seismic moment unfold in the early years of the Third Reich. With the Führer and his party firmly in power, a bloody faction fight takes place within the Party. The Nazis have gained control of both the streets and the democratic institutions of Germany, with Hitler made Chancellor in 1933. But the SA, the largest Nazi military faction, led by the unmistakable Ernst Röhm, have shown signs of challenging Hitler, and rumours have reached the Führer that he is facing a coup… After a bloody night of murderous terror led by Hitler and his personal guard, the SS, they are left as the strongest military wing in the Party, with the SA facing extinction.
Join Tom and Dominic in the first episode of our series on the Nazis in Power, as they delve into how Hitler solidified his and his party’s control of Germany, the different right wing groups at play, the signs of uprising against Hitler’s rule, and the eventual quelling of all opposition.
