History Daily The Birth of the SS
Apr 4, 2025
April 4, 1925 marks a pivotal moment as Adolf Hitler establishes a personal bodyguard, reflecting his paranoia about internal rivals. The podcast dives into the turbulent rise of Heinrich Himmler and the SS, revealing power struggles within the Nazi Party. It details the brutal purges of the Night of the Long Knives and the terrifying expansion of the SS, which grew to over a million members, while also exploring their horrific involvement in war crimes during WWII. This chilling account uncovers the dark dynamics that shaped modern history.
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The Beer Hall Putsch
- During the Beer Hall Putsch, Himmler joined other Nazis in interrupting a city council meeting.
- This attempted coup failed, but it marked the beginning of Himmler's rise within the Nazi party.
Formation of the SS
- Hitler's distrust of the SA's violence and power led to the SS's formation.
- Hitler wanted a personal bodyguard unit solely loyal to him after a power struggle with the SA.
Himmler's Rise in the SS
- Himmler quickly rose through the SS ranks due to his organizational skills and loyalty to Hitler.
- He exploited rumors of financial impropriety and Jewish association to oust his superior, Erhard Haydn.