What dates did the Night of the Long Knives occur in 1934?
The purge took place from the 30th of June to the 2nd of July 1934. Hitler and his entourage flew to Munich at about 04:30 on the 30th of June 1934 to begin the arrests.
Questions about Night of the Long Knives
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who was Ernst Röhm and why was he targeted during the Night of the Long Knives?
Ernst Röhm served as commander of the SA and lobbied for the SA to replace the regular army as Germany's ground forces. He was arrested and executed because he threatened the traditional status of the Prussian aristocracy within the Reichswehr.
How did Adolf Hitler justify the Night of the Long Knives to the German public?
Hitler justified the purge by denouncing the victims as traitors working in the pay of France and claiming they were undisciplined elements threatening the state. The cabinet approved a measure on the 3rd of July that declared the actions legal acts of self-defence by the State.
Which military leaders were killed during the Night of the Long Knives besides Ernst Röhm?
General Kurt von Schleicher and General Ferdinand von Bredow were among the victims of the purge. Vice-Chancellor Papen's close associate Edgar Jung was also arrested and later executed after being identified as an unreliable conservative.
What role did Hermann Göring play in organizing the Night of the Long Knives?
Hermann Göring transferred control of the Gestapo to Himmler on the 20th of April 1934 to move against Röhm. He personally ordered armed SS units to storm the Vice-Chancellery and recruited Willi Lehmann to assist with the killings.