Adolf Hitler broods in his office.
Adolf Hitler broods in his office.

He paces back and forth, waiting for the phone to ring.
He paces back and forth, waiting for the phone to ring.

There has been opposition to his power, and all guilty parties must be eliminated.
There has been opposition to his power, and all guilty parties must be eliminated.

But in order to do this, he needs to betray one of his closest allies and best friends.
But in order to do this, he needs to betray one of his closest allies and best friends.

It has taken him years to get to where he is, and he isn’t about to lose it all when
It has taken him years to get to where he is, and he isn’t about to lose it all when

victory is so close.
victory is so close.

People will die in the purge to come, but that is of no consequence to Adolf Hitler.
People will die in the purge to come, but that is of no consequence to Adolf Hitler.

He will secure his position as Führer of Germany.
He will secure his position as Führer of Germany.

Hitler thinks about the years leading up to his ascent to power.
Hitler thinks about the years leading up to his ascent to power.

He remembers his old friend Ernst Röhm and how he played a vital role in getting Hitler
He remembers his old friend Ernst Röhm and how he played a vital role in getting Hitler

into the position of chancellor of Germany.
into the position of chancellor of Germany.

But even though Röhm is a good friend and ally, he will not make it out of the purge.
But even though Röhm is a good friend and ally, he will not make it out of the purge.

Hitler shakes his head as he knows he must betray his friend.
Hitler shakes his head as he knows he must betray his friend.

They both played major roles in the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 to overthrow the German government
They both played major roles in the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 to overthrow the German government

and put the Nazi Party in control of the country That coup failed, and like Hitler, Röhm had
and put the Nazi Party in control of the country That coup failed, and like Hitler, Röhm had

to go into hiding to escape being arrested and killed.
to go into hiding to escape being arrested and killed.

But together, they worked towards a new goal, taking over the German government by political
But together, they worked towards a new goal, taking over the German government by political

means rather than strictly by force.
means rather than strictly by force.

The Nazi Party was still growing at the time, and Hitler was gaining more and more prominence
The Nazi Party was still growing at the time, and Hitler was gaining more and more prominence

within the party.
within the party.

Ernst Röhm believed in Hitler and would do anything to help him secure his position in
Ernst Röhm believed in Hitler and would do anything to help him secure his position in

the government.
the government.

To this end, Röhm helped form the Sturmabteilung, also known as the SA or Brownshirts, due to
To this end, Röhm helped form the Sturmabteilung, also known as the SA or Brownshirts, due to

their uniforms.
their uniforms.

This was an organization that enforced Nazi Party norms and influenced elections.
This was an organization that enforced Nazi Party norms and influenced elections.

The SA was one of the main organizations that provided the means for Hitler’s rise to
The SA was one of the main organizations that provided the means for Hitler’s rise to

power.
power.

Yet, now, in the final days of June 1934, he will betray not only Röhm but anyone in
Yet, now, in the final days of June 1934, he will betray not only Röhm but anyone in

the SA who questions him.
the SA who questions him.

Adolf Hitler stops thinking about the past and focuses on the present.
Adolf Hitler stops thinking about the past and focuses on the present.

He walks over to the door, opens it, and ushers the men waiting outside into the room.
He walks over to the door, opens it, and ushers the men waiting outside into the room.

Hitler and his advisors take their seats around a large table.
Hitler and his advisors take their seats around a large table.

The chamber is filled with Nazi regalia.
The chamber is filled with Nazi regalia.

The swastika flag hangs from the wall; paintings dedicated to the glory of the Aryan race seem
The swastika flag hangs from the wall; paintings dedicated to the glory of the Aryan race seem

to fill every empty space.
to fill every empty space.

“You know why you are here,” Hitler says.
“You know why you are here,” Hitler says.

“The SA has played a major role in getting us to where we are today, but now they are
“The SA has played a major role in getting us to where we are today, but now they are

becoming a problem.
becoming a problem.

They have ideas of an even greater revolution, one that will put all of our positions in
They have ideas of an even greater revolution, one that will put all of our positions in

jeopardy.”
jeopardy.”

Hitler looks at one of his advisors and nods.
Hitler looks at one of his advisors and nods.

“The SA is comprised of around three million men and outnumbers the German army.
“The SA is comprised of around three million men and outnumbers the German army.

We all remember the oppressive rules imposed on our great country by the Treaty of Versailles.
We all remember the oppressive rules imposed on our great country by the Treaty of Versailles.

The German military can only consist of 100,000 men.
The German military can only consist of 100,000 men.

But since the government does not control the SA, they can have as many members as they
But since the government does not control the SA, they can have as many members as they

want.
want.

This worked well for us in the past when we were trying to secure a prominent seat in
This worked well for us in the past when we were trying to secure a prominent seat in

the government.
the government.

But now that I’ve become Chancellor, we need to find a way to get them under control.”
But now that I’ve become Chancellor, we need to find a way to get them under control.”

There are grumbles of agreement from the Nazis sitting around the table.
There are grumbles of agreement from the Nazis sitting around the table.

The SA is still loyal to Hitler and the Nazi Party, but they are starting to frighten the
The SA is still loyal to Hitler and the Nazi Party, but they are starting to frighten the

elites of the country.
elites of the country.

The beginnings of a delicate plan have already been put into place to ensure that Hitler
The beginnings of a delicate plan have already been put into place to ensure that Hitler

will become the supreme ruler of Germany when the current president dies.
will become the supreme ruler of Germany when the current president dies.

However, this will not happen if the SA incites a revolution before he can make the final
However, this will not happen if the SA incites a revolution before he can make the final

preparations.
preparations.

Everyone in Hitler’s chambers agrees something must be done.
Everyone in Hitler’s chambers agrees something must be done.

The leaders of the SA need to be dealt with; otherwise, everything they worked so hard
The leaders of the SA need to be dealt with; otherwise, everything they worked so hard

to accomplish will fall apart.
to accomplish will fall apart.

“Thank you for your input, gentlemen.
“Thank you for your input, gentlemen.

I will take what you’ve said under advisement, and we will come up with a solution.
I will take what you’ve said under advisement, and we will come up with a solution.

I must now meet with members of the SA.
I must now meet with members of the SA.

I will update you on any progress next time we meet.”
I will update you on any progress next time we meet.”

Adolf Hitler stands up from the table.
Adolf Hitler stands up from the table.

The other members of the Nazi party rise and salute him.
The other members of the Nazi party rise and salute him.

Chancellor Hitler walks down the hall of the government building and enters a room where
Chancellor Hitler walks down the hall of the government building and enters a room where

members of the SA are waiting.
members of the SA are waiting.

“Gentlemen, we have much to discuss.”
“Gentlemen, we have much to discuss.”

Hitler takes a seat at the table.
Hitler takes a seat at the table.

“I, along with everyone else in the Party, appreciate your support in keeping everyone
“I, along with everyone else in the Party, appreciate your support in keeping everyone

in line,” Hitler says to the SA officials.
in line,” Hitler says to the SA officials.

“Your methods of intimidation have kept the press quiet and squashed any opposition.
“Your methods of intimidation have kept the press quiet and squashed any opposition.

For that, I am eternally grateful.”
For that, I am eternally grateful.”

He pauses for a moment to make eye contact with the men in the room.
He pauses for a moment to make eye contact with the men in the room.

“You have all been loyal in your duties, and I know that this revolution is taking
“You have all been loyal in your duties, and I know that this revolution is taking

slightly longer than anticipated, but we are almost there.”
slightly longer than anticipated, but we are almost there.”

Hitler is interrupted by one of the leaders of the SA.
Hitler is interrupted by one of the leaders of the SA.

“Longer than anticipated?
“Longer than anticipated?

Your use of diplomatic means to achieve our goals is going nowhere.
Your use of diplomatic means to achieve our goals is going nowhere.

We need to overthrow the entire current government and put true leaders in charge like Ernst
We need to overthrow the entire current government and put true leaders in charge like Ernst

Röhm.”
Röhm.”

The other SA members in the room nod their heads and cheer in agreement.
The other SA members in the room nod their heads and cheer in agreement.

Hitler looks at the man standing in the corner of the room.
Hitler looks at the man standing in the corner of the room.

It is Heinrich Himmler, his right-hand man.
It is Heinrich Himmler, his right-hand man.

They both know that too much could be lost if they allow the SA to continue inciting
They both know that too much could be lost if they allow the SA to continue inciting

violence and force an armed revolution.
violence and force an armed revolution.

“We couldn’t agree more,” Hitler lies.
“We couldn’t agree more,” Hitler lies.

But you need to give us time to deal with the elites of the country.
But you need to give us time to deal with the elites of the country.

It is with them that the loyalty of many lies.
It is with them that the loyalty of many lies.

When we bring them to our side, and they support the Nazi cause, everything else will fall
When we bring them to our side, and they support the Nazi cause, everything else will fall

into place.”
into place.”

“Screw the elites,” one of the SA shouts.
“Screw the elites,” one of the SA shouts.

“All they do is hide behind their money and servants.
“All they do is hide behind their money and servants.

It is time for the people to reclaim Germany.
It is time for the people to reclaim Germany.

We say that the elites should be removed from office and replaced by members of the SA with
We say that the elites should be removed from office and replaced by members of the SA with

more fundamental Nazi beliefs.”
more fundamental Nazi beliefs.”

“That is what we are going to do,” Hitler reassures the SA gathered before him.
“That is what we are going to do,” Hitler reassures the SA gathered before him.

“But first, we need their support.
“But first, we need their support.

Once my position as Führer is secured, we can move our plans forward and deal with the
Once my position as Führer is secured, we can move our plans forward and deal with the

real threat to our people, the Jews.
real threat to our people, the Jews.

However, if you don’t give me the time I need to change the system from within, there
However, if you don’t give me the time I need to change the system from within, there

will be backlash from the elites and many other German citizens as well.
will be backlash from the elites and many other German citizens as well.

The German army is still loyal to the president and the current administration; they will
The German army is still loyal to the president and the current administration; they will

not just roll over and hand us the country.”
not just roll over and hand us the country.”

“Then we will wipe out the army and take the government by force!”
“Then we will wipe out the army and take the government by force!”

one of the SA leaders shouts.
one of the SA leaders shouts.

Hitler shakes his head as he glances at Himmler.
Hitler shakes his head as he glances at Himmler.

“We will take that under advisement.
“We will take that under advisement.

But right now I have another meeting.
But right now I have another meeting.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention; it is much appreciated, and they
Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention; it is much appreciated, and they

will all be addressed in time.”
will all be addressed in time.”

There is murmuring from the SA officials as Hitler leaves the room.
There is murmuring from the SA officials as Hitler leaves the room.

“We need to deal with this sooner rather than later,” Himmler warns him.
“We need to deal with this sooner rather than later,” Himmler warns him.

“The SA is becoming too powerful, and we are going to have a civil war on our hands
“The SA is becoming too powerful, and we are going to have a civil war on our hands

if we don’t get them under control.”
if we don’t get them under control.”

“I know that,” Hitler hisses back.
“I know that,” Hitler hisses back.

“I am trying to figure out the best way to eliminate this threat.
“I am trying to figure out the best way to eliminate this threat.

We cannot let them overthrow the elites; we need their money and support to realize our
We cannot let them overthrow the elites; we need their money and support to realize our

final goal.
final goal.

Every time I meet with members of the government and their influential friends, they complain
Every time I meet with members of the government and their influential friends, they complain

to me about the trouble the SA is causing.
to me about the trouble the SA is causing.

They blame me for the destruction.
They blame me for the destruction.

They blame me for the riots.
They blame me for the riots.

They blame me for the violence.
They blame me for the violence.

It is getting tiring.
It is getting tiring.

I’ve talked to Röhm, and he is working to get his members under control, but he also
I’ve talked to Röhm, and he is working to get his members under control, but he also

agrees with the SA ideology.
agrees with the SA ideology.

I’m not sure he can be trusted any longer.”
I’m not sure he can be trusted any longer.”

“Then Röhm will need to be dealt with as well,” Himmler says.
“Then Röhm will need to be dealt with as well,” Himmler says.

The corner of his lip curls up slightly.
The corner of his lip curls up slightly.

“I’m sure your SS branch of the SA would be happy to help out.
“I’m sure your SS branch of the SA would be happy to help out.

We can use them to eliminate our problems from within the organization.
We can use them to eliminate our problems from within the organization.

After all, what good is having your own personal bodyguards if you don’t use them to do your
After all, what good is having your own personal bodyguards if you don’t use them to do your

bidding?”
bidding?”

Hitler stops walking and is silent for a moment.
Hitler stops walking and is silent for a moment.

“Are you saying what I think you're saying?” he asks.
“Are you saying what I think you're saying?” he asks.

Himmler nods his head.
Himmler nods his head.

Hitler rubs the bridge of his nose as he thinks out loud.
Hitler rubs the bridge of his nose as he thinks out loud.

“I really didn’t want it to come to this, but it seems as if we have no other choice.
“I really didn’t want it to come to this, but it seems as if we have no other choice.

Gather the SS and work with Goebbels to prepare them for their mission.
Gather the SS and work with Goebbels to prepare them for their mission.

I don’t know when we will need to purge the party, but it will be one day soon.”
I don’t know when we will need to purge the party, but it will be one day soon.”

Himmler salutes Adolf Hitler and marches down the hallways.
Himmler salutes Adolf Hitler and marches down the hallways.

Hitler calls after him, “Heinrich, be discrete; we don’t want anyone getting wind of this
Hitler calls after him, “Heinrich, be discrete; we don’t want anyone getting wind of this

before we can execute the plan, especially Röhm.”
before we can execute the plan, especially Röhm.”

Himmler nods his head and continues on his way to brief his loyal SS men about the plan
Himmler nods his head and continues on his way to brief his loyal SS men about the plan

to cleanse the Nazi Party.
to cleanse the Nazi Party.

Adolf Hitler exits the Parliamentary building and enters a car idling on the street.
Adolf Hitler exits the Parliamentary building and enters a car idling on the street.

The summer rain falls steadily, casting a grey shadow across the city of Berlin.
The summer rain falls steadily, casting a grey shadow across the city of Berlin.

He has a meeting with several German elites and military leaders that he is not looking
He has a meeting with several German elites and military leaders that he is not looking

forward to.
forward to.

He knows how it will go.
He knows how it will go.

They will tell him the Nazi Party is becoming too aggressive and that the SA must be dealt
They will tell him the Nazi Party is becoming too aggressive and that the SA must be dealt

with.
with.

This time though, Hitler has a plan.
This time though, Hitler has a plan.

The SA will soon cause him no more trouble, and the elites of the country will finally
The SA will soon cause him no more trouble, and the elites of the country will finally

be off his back.
be off his back.

Hitler enters the room full of generals, politicians, and powerful businessmen.
Hitler enters the room full of generals, politicians, and powerful businessmen.

He shakes the rain from his coat and hangs it on a nearby hook.
He shakes the rain from his coat and hangs it on a nearby hook.

“My friends,” he begins.
“My friends,” he begins.

“I have met with the SA leaders, and they are less than willing to back down.
“I have met with the SA leaders, and they are less than willing to back down.

Therefore, I have taken matters into my own hands.
Therefore, I have taken matters into my own hands.

In the days to come, you will watch the SA fall apart.
In the days to come, you will watch the SA fall apart.

It is all being taken care of as we speak.”
It is all being taken care of as we speak.”

One of the military generals speaks up.
One of the military generals speaks up.

“There are rumors that the SA is forming a People’s Army.
“There are rumors that the SA is forming a People’s Army.

This is unacceptable and will lead to the destruction of this country.
This is unacceptable and will lead to the destruction of this country.

The Nazi Party is becoming more trouble than they’re worth.”
The Nazi Party is becoming more trouble than they’re worth.”

Hitler represses the rage that fills him.
Hitler represses the rage that fills him.

“I assure you, general,” he says as calmly as possible.
“I assure you, general,” he says as calmly as possible.

“It is not the Nazi Party that is the problem.
“It is not the Nazi Party that is the problem.

It is Röhm and the SA.
It is Röhm and the SA.

And if you were listening, I just said it is being dealt with.”
And if you were listening, I just said it is being dealt with.”

“It better be.
“It better be.

Or you will find that your position in the government may not be as secure as you might
Or you will find that your position in the government may not be as secure as you might

think.
think.

We are happy to squash this rebellion and put the country under martial law if you can’t
We are happy to squash this rebellion and put the country under martial law if you can’t

do it yourself,” responds the general.
do it yourself,” responds the general.

“Do not threaten me,” Hitler spits.
“Do not threaten me,” Hitler spits.

“In the coming days, the SA threat will be crushed.
“In the coming days, the SA threat will be crushed.

After that, it is only a matter of time until President von Hindenburg passes, and I am
After that, it is only a matter of time until President von Hindenburg passes, and I am

fully in control of this country.
fully in control of this country.

You do not want to be on my bad side when that happens, general.
You do not want to be on my bad side when that happens, general.

When I am Führer, all I have to do is snap my fingers and you will be removed from your
When I am Führer, all I have to do is snap my fingers and you will be removed from your

position.
position.

There are plenty of loyal followers to take your spot.”
There are plenty of loyal followers to take your spot.”

There is an unsettling silence in the room.
There is an unsettling silence in the room.

“I have my top men working on a solution for the problems Röhm and the rest of the
“I have my top men working on a solution for the problems Röhm and the rest of the

SA are causing for you.
SA are causing for you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make preparations.”
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make preparations.”

Hitler turns and exits the room; his wet leather boots squeak down the hallway.
Hitler turns and exits the room; his wet leather boots squeak down the hallway.

In his mind, Hitler is playing out the murder of everyone who has questioned his decisions.
In his mind, Hitler is playing out the murder of everyone who has questioned his decisions.

There will be no escaping his wrath once he has complete control of the country.
There will be no escaping his wrath once he has complete control of the country.

People will hang; generals will be shot.
People will hang; generals will be shot.

It is only a matter of time until he gets everything he’s ever wanted and makes the
It is only a matter of time until he gets everything he’s ever wanted and makes the

world pay dearly for allowing it to happen.
world pay dearly for allowing it to happen.

Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heydrich, Hermann Göring, and Adolf Hitler sit around a table.
Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heydrich, Hermann Göring, and Adolf Hitler sit around a table.

The room is lit by candlelight as they discuss their plan to purge the Nazi Party of anyone
The room is lit by candlelight as they discuss their plan to purge the Nazi Party of anyone

who may jeopardize their future plans.
who may jeopardize their future plans.

“We all know that Röhm and the other leaders of the SA are not planning to overthrow the
“We all know that Röhm and the other leaders of the SA are not planning to overthrow the

government any time soon.
government any time soon.

They are unhappy but still have faith in the chancellor,” says Himmler.
They are unhappy but still have faith in the chancellor,” says Himmler.

“However, the current ruling body doesn’t see it this way, which means we are going
“However, the current ruling body doesn’t see it this way, which means we are going

to have to make it look like the SA was trying to destabilize the country to ensure the people
to have to make it look like the SA was trying to destabilize the country to ensure the people

of Germany are on our side.”
of Germany are on our side.”

The other men around the table nod in agreement.
The other men around the table nod in agreement.

Göring chimes in.
Göring chimes in.

“We have already planted fake evidence in the offices and homes of the people we need
“We have already planted fake evidence in the offices and homes of the people we need

to get rid of.
to get rid of.

We can use this as justification for purging the party.
We can use this as justification for purging the party.

As long as it looks like we are saving the country from chaos, no one will question us.”
As long as it looks like we are saving the country from chaos, no one will question us.”

Hitler sits quietly, staring at the burning candle flame in the middle of the table.
Hitler sits quietly, staring at the burning candle flame in the middle of the table.

“Röhm has been loyal to me this entire time.
“Röhm has been loyal to me this entire time.

He is one of the main reasons I am where I am today.
He is one of the main reasons I am where I am today.

But the fact that he is the face of the SA means he must be eliminated.
But the fact that he is the face of the SA means he must be eliminated.

I regret this, but make sure once Röhm is killed, there is indisputable evidence that
I regret this, but make sure once Röhm is killed, there is indisputable evidence that

he was connected to an extremist plot to overthrow the government.
he was connected to an extremist plot to overthrow the government.

If that doesn’t work, we will say he has a proclivity towards unbecoming sexual behaviors.”
If that doesn’t work, we will say he has a proclivity towards unbecoming sexual behaviors.”

“As you wish,” replies Himmler.
“As you wish,” replies Himmler.

“Everyone here is aware of Vice-Chancellor von Papen's speech at the University Marburg
“Everyone here is aware of Vice-Chancellor von Papen's speech at the University Marburg

a few days ago on June 17, right?”
a few days ago on June 17, right?”

Himmler asks the other men around the table.
Himmler asks the other men around the table.

They confirm that they knew of it.
They confirm that they knew of it.

“It is for this reason, I believe now is the perfect time to carry out the Night of
“It is for this reason, I believe now is the perfect time to carry out the Night of

Long Knives.
Long Knives.

We can use that speech as an example of how radicalized the SA has become.
We can use that speech as an example of how radicalized the SA has become.

This, along with all of the planted evidence, will be enough to execute everyone we need
This, along with all of the planted evidence, will be enough to execute everyone we need

to to ensure the elites and army stay on our side while maintaining the loyalty of the
to to ensure the elites and army stay on our side while maintaining the loyalty of the

more moderate Brownshirt members.”
more moderate Brownshirt members.”

“I agree,” says Hitler.
“I agree,” says Hitler.

“By keeping the current governing body and military happy as well as retaining most of
“By keeping the current governing body and military happy as well as retaining most of

the SA, we will have an armed force large enough to begin our plans of rearmament and
the SA, we will have an armed force large enough to begin our plans of rearmament and

military expansion.
military expansion.

Once this is done, we can move into the next phase of our final solution and begin ridding
Once this is done, we can move into the next phase of our final solution and begin ridding

Germany of the Jewish threat.
Germany of the Jewish threat.

We will return this country to its former glory, and no one will stop us.”
We will return this country to its former glory, and no one will stop us.”

Hitler slams his fist down on the table.
Hitler slams his fist down on the table.

The Nazis in the room applaud his conviction.
The Nazis in the room applaud his conviction.

A few days go by without incident.
A few days go by without incident.

Then, unexpectedly, the timetable for the purge gets moved up.
Then, unexpectedly, the timetable for the purge gets moved up.

“What do you mean the Brownshirts are rebelling in the streets?”
“What do you mean the Brownshirts are rebelling in the streets?”

Hitler screams into the telephone receiver.
Hitler screams into the telephone receiver.

Himmler is on the other line.
Himmler is on the other line.

“Put an end to it.
“Put an end to it.

I am coming to Munich now.”
I am coming to Munich now.”

Hitler slams down the phone and grabs his coat.
Hitler slams down the phone and grabs his coat.

His car is summoned to drive him to the airport.
His car is summoned to drive him to the airport.

It is June 30, 1934, when Hitler lands in Munich.
It is June 30, 1934, when Hitler lands in Munich.

Top Nazi officials wait for him on the tarmac.
Top Nazi officials wait for him on the tarmac.

“Give me an update.
“Give me an update.

What is going on?”
What is going on?”

He begins walking to the waiting caravan of cars as his entourage follows.
He begins walking to the waiting caravan of cars as his entourage follows.

Himmler speaks first.
Himmler speaks first.

“The SS have been deployed and are subduing the SA Brownshirts who are rioting.
“The SS have been deployed and are subduing the SA Brownshirts who are rioting.

We have also deployed men to arrest anyone who is sympathizing with the SA or trying
We have also deployed men to arrest anyone who is sympathizing with the SA or trying

to cause problems for the Party.
to cause problems for the Party.

They have been told that if anyone resists arrests, they are to be shot.”
They have been told that if anyone resists arrests, they are to be shot.”

“Good,” Hitler responds.
“Good,” Hitler responds.

“Sir, you should know that the Brownshirts who are rioting through Munich are calling
“Sir, you should know that the Brownshirts who are rioting through Munich are calling

for your resignation and accusing you of treachery,” Göring says.
for your resignation and accusing you of treachery,” Göring says.

“We will have them all executed for treason.”
“We will have them all executed for treason.”

“Very good,” Hitler replies.
“Very good,” Hitler replies.

The men enter the cars waiting for them and begin to drive toward Munich, where they will
The men enter the cars waiting for them and begin to drive toward Munich, where they will

meet with SS forces.
meet with SS forces.

“Contact Röhm and tell him to gather the heads of the SA for a meeting.
“Contact Röhm and tell him to gather the heads of the SA for a meeting.

Make it seem like we just want to talk.
Make it seem like we just want to talk.

Inform him they should all meet at Hanselbauer Hotel in Bad Wiessee.
Inform him they should all meet at Hanselbauer Hotel in Bad Wiessee.

We will deal with them there.”
We will deal with them there.”

“Yes, sir,” says Göring.
“Yes, sir,” says Göring.

Hitler and his men proceed to the Bavarian Interior Ministry.
Hitler and his men proceed to the Bavarian Interior Ministry.

When they get there, August Schneidhuber, the chief of the Munich police, is nervously
When they get there, August Schneidhuber, the chief of the Munich police, is nervously

waiting for them.
waiting for them.

Hitler bursts into the room, screaming about the ineffectiveness of the Munich police.
Hitler bursts into the room, screaming about the ineffectiveness of the Munich police.

He walks up to Schneidhber and rips the epaulets showing his rank off of the chief’s uniform.
He walks up to Schneidhber and rips the epaulets showing his rank off of the chief’s uniform.

“How dare you let the Brownshirts wreak havoc in this city.
“How dare you let the Brownshirts wreak havoc in this city.

We are so close to a unified and powerful Germany, yet you let something like this happen.”
We are so close to a unified and powerful Germany, yet you let something like this happen.”

“I am sorry, Chancellor,” the chief of police says.
“I am sorry, Chancellor,” the chief of police says.

“No, you aren’t, but you will be,” screams Hitler.
“No, you aren’t, but you will be,” screams Hitler.

“Take him outside and shoot him.”
“Take him outside and shoot him.”

SS soldiers grab Schmidhuber by the arms and escort him out of the building.
SS soldiers grab Schmidhuber by the arms and escort him out of the building.

A few moments later, the sound of a gunshot is heard from outside.
A few moments later, the sound of a gunshot is heard from outside.

“Now it's time to deal with the Brownshirts once and for all,” Hitler says as he exits
“Now it's time to deal with the Brownshirts once and for all,” Hitler says as he exits

the room.
the room.

Hitler and his men head to the Hanselbauer Hotel, where Röhm and the other SA leaders
Hitler and his men head to the Hanselbauer Hotel, where Röhm and the other SA leaders

are staying.
are staying.

They had gone to bed the previous night when Hitler had not yet arrived.
They had gone to bed the previous night when Hitler had not yet arrived.

The sun is just starting to rise as the SS pulls up to the hotel in their vehicles.
The sun is just starting to rise as the SS pulls up to the hotel in their vehicles.

It is a caravan of men loyal to Hitler.
It is a caravan of men loyal to Hitler.

There is no escaping what is to come.
There is no escaping what is to come.

The soldiers burst into the hotel with their guns raised.
The soldiers burst into the hotel with their guns raised.

The concierge throws his hands in the air and begs for mercy.
The concierge throws his hands in the air and begs for mercy.

The SS run from room to room, kicking in the doors of the SA leadership while they are
The SS run from room to room, kicking in the doors of the SA leadership while they are

fast asleep.
fast asleep.

Hitler’s enemies are dragged from their beds and lined up in the lobby.
Hitler’s enemies are dragged from their beds and lined up in the lobby.

They stand in their pajamas, terrified of what is to come.
They stand in their pajamas, terrified of what is to come.

Urine runs down the legs of men who know that this will be their last moments on this planet.
Urine runs down the legs of men who know that this will be their last moments on this planet.

Hitler enters the Hanselbauer and looks upon the faces of the confused SA leaders with
Hitler enters the Hanselbauer and looks upon the faces of the confused SA leaders with

disgust.
disgust.

“You thought you could get away with it,” Hitler shouts at them.
“You thought you could get away with it,” Hitler shouts at them.

“Well, we uncovered your plot to overthrow the government and the Nazi Party.
“Well, we uncovered your plot to overthrow the government and the Nazi Party.

This ends now!
This ends now!

You are all under arrest and will be tried for treason.”
You are all under arrest and will be tried for treason.”

Hitler scans the faces of the men who stand before him in their nightgowns.
Hitler scans the faces of the men who stand before him in their nightgowns.

There are some that would betray him, but most are loyal.
There are some that would betray him, but most are loyal.

“Who is this?”
“Who is this?”

Hitler says, pointing to a young man standing next to an SA leader named Edmund Heines.
Hitler says, pointing to a young man standing next to an SA leader named Edmund Heines.

“We found them in bed together,” one of the SS soldiers informs him.
“We found them in bed together,” one of the SS soldiers informs him.

“Take them outside and shoot them both,” Hitler says with disgust in his eyes.
“Take them outside and shoot them both,” Hitler says with disgust in his eyes.

“We will publicize this and make sure everyone in Germany knows that laying with another
“We will publicize this and make sure everyone in Germany knows that laying with another

man is punishable by death.
man is punishable by death.

No matter who you are.”
No matter who you are.”

Hitler signals his soldiers to take the SA leaders away.
Hitler signals his soldiers to take the SA leaders away.

They are headed to Munich’s Stadelheim prison, where they will be questioned, tortured, and
They are headed to Munich’s Stadelheim prison, where they will be questioned, tortured, and

eventually executed.
eventually executed.

Before Ernst Röhm is escorted out of the hotel, Hitler walks up to him and grabs his
Before Ernst Röhm is escorted out of the hotel, Hitler walks up to him and grabs his

arm.
arm.

“I’m sorry old friend,” he whispers into Röhm’s ear.
“I’m sorry old friend,” he whispers into Röhm’s ear.

“But I have to do what is best for the Party and the country.
“But I have to do what is best for the Party and the country.

I’m sure you understand.”
I’m sure you understand.”

Röhm says nothing.
Röhm says nothing.

He keeps his head down and follows the others out the door.
He keeps his head down and follows the others out the door.

His friend and the man he believed would return Germany to its former greatness has betrayed
His friend and the man he believed would return Germany to its former greatness has betrayed

him.
him.

Hitler stands in the lobby of the Hanselbauer Hotel, watching his longtime friend being
Hitler stands in the lobby of the Hanselbauer Hotel, watching his longtime friend being

led to his death.
led to his death.

One of the SS soldiers walks up to the Chancellor.
One of the SS soldiers walks up to the Chancellor.

“Sir, everything is ready at the party headquarters.
“Sir, everything is ready at the party headquarters.

There is a crowd assembled to hear you speak.”
There is a crowd assembled to hear you speak.”

“Thank you.
“Thank you.

Let’s get going,” Hitler says.
Let’s get going,” Hitler says.

He is driven back to Munich, where he gets himself ready to speak to the masses.
He is driven back to Munich, where he gets himself ready to speak to the masses.

He walks up to the podium and with a fit of rage begins screaming into the microphone.
He walks up to the podium and with a fit of rage begins screaming into the microphone.

His voice echoes off the buildings in the vicinity.
His voice echoes off the buildings in the vicinity.

Hitler explains how his SS uncovered a plot by the Brownshirts to overthrow the government
Hitler explains how his SS uncovered a plot by the Brownshirts to overthrow the government

and send the country into civil war.
and send the country into civil war.

“Ernst Röhm and the other SA leaders have committed the worst treachery in world history,”
“Ernst Röhm and the other SA leaders have committed the worst treachery in world history,”

he screams into the microphone.
he screams into the microphone.

His SS guard closely watches the crowd to gauge their reactions and to make sure no
His SS guard closely watches the crowd to gauge their reactions and to make sure no

one does anything rash.
one does anything rash.

“Anyone who consorts with the undisciplined and disobedient characters of the SA will
“Anyone who consorts with the undisciplined and disobedient characters of the SA will

be put to death,” Hitler concludes.
be put to death,” Hitler concludes.

The crowd erupts in applause.
The crowd erupts in applause.

There are regular citizens, Nazi Party members, and even sympathetic SA in the crowd.
There are regular citizens, Nazi Party members, and even sympathetic SA in the crowd.

Hitler has won them all over.
Hitler has won them all over.

The threat that the SA posed to his rule has come to an end.
The threat that the SA posed to his rule has come to an end.

Joseph Goebbels watches the future Führers speech from the side of the stage.
Joseph Goebbels watches the future Führers speech from the side of the stage.

He claps as the crowd shows their support for Adolf Hitler.
He claps as the crowd shows their support for Adolf Hitler.

Gobbels turns and walks into the Nazi Party building.
Gobbels turns and walks into the Nazi Party building.

He picks up the phone and is transferred to Hermann Göring.
He picks up the phone and is transferred to Hermann Göring.

“Kolibri,” Gobbels says into the receiver and hangs up the phone.
“Kolibri,” Gobbels says into the receiver and hangs up the phone.

On the other line, Göring smiles.
On the other line, Göring smiles.

He places the phone back in its cradle and gives the order for his SS soldiers to execute
He places the phone back in its cradle and gives the order for his SS soldiers to execute

any remaining SA sympathizers.
any remaining SA sympathizers.

Dozens are killed by the SS across Germany.
Dozens are killed by the SS across Germany.

After his speech, Hitler orders SS commander, Sepp Dietrich, to execute the SA leaders at
After his speech, Hitler orders SS commander, Sepp Dietrich, to execute the SA leaders at

Stadelheim prison . Most of the SA members rounded up at the Hanselbauer Hotel are put
Stadelheim prison . Most of the SA members rounded up at the Hanselbauer Hotel are put

to death by firing squad.
to death by firing squad.

Others are saved only to be put on trial for treason.
Others are saved only to be put on trial for treason.

Each trial lasts minutes before the SA leaders are convicted and shot.
Each trial lasts minutes before the SA leaders are convicted and shot.

Hitler's purge and the Night of Long Knives ends on July 2, 1934.
Hitler's purge and the Night of Long Knives ends on July 2, 1934.

During the purge, the SS executed Ernst Röhm; Reichswehr General Kurt von Schleicher, Hitler’s
During the purge, the SS executed Ernst Röhm; Reichswehr General Kurt von Schleicher, Hitler’s

predecessor as Reich Chancellor and his wife; Major General Ferdinand von Bredow, Schleicher's
predecessor as Reich Chancellor and his wife; Major General Ferdinand von Bredow, Schleicher's

friend and collaborator; Gustav von Kahr, the Bavarian chief of state who had condemned
friend and collaborator; Gustav von Kahr, the Bavarian chief of state who had condemned

the Beer Hall Putsch and Hitler’s role in it; and Gregor Strasser, a Nazi leader who
the Beer Hall Putsch and Hitler’s role in it; and Gregor Strasser, a Nazi leader who

tried to reach an agreement with the previous Chancellor von Schleicher to keep Hitler from
tried to reach an agreement with the previous Chancellor von Schleicher to keep Hitler from

rising to power.
rising to power.

More than 1,100 people were brought into custody, and around 100 individuals were killed during
More than 1,100 people were brought into custody, and around 100 individuals were killed during

the Night of Long Knives.
the Night of Long Knives.

Hitler sits in his office with a smile on his face.
Hitler sits in his office with a smile on his face.

He has rid the country of his enemies, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes
He has rid the country of his enemies, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes

Führer.
Führer.

President von Hindenburg is getting sicker and sicker by the day.
President von Hindenburg is getting sicker and sicker by the day.

Hitler rewards the SS forces for their loyalty by making them a completely independent entity
Hitler rewards the SS forces for their loyalty by making them a completely independent entity

from the SA.
from the SA.

Slowly but surely, the SS takes control of the police forces across the country.
Slowly but surely, the SS takes control of the police forces across the country.

Eventually, Heinrich Himmler centralizes all of the SS under his command.
Eventually, Heinrich Himmler centralizes all of the SS under his command.

This streamlines the decisions being made and makes the SS the legal authority throughout
This streamlines the decisions being made and makes the SS the legal authority throughout

Germany.
Germany.

Any resistance or disruption to Hitler or his plans are now quickly dealt with by the
Any resistance or disruption to Hitler or his plans are now quickly dealt with by the

SS.
SS.

There is no more freedom of speech or expression.
There is no more freedom of speech or expression.

Any opposition to the Nazi Party is swiftly punished.
Any opposition to the Nazi Party is swiftly punished.

The murders that were committed during the Night of Long Knives are all but forgotten.
The murders that were committed during the Night of Long Knives are all but forgotten.

The Reich Cabinet legalizes the actions taken during the purge by the SS as emergency measures
The Reich Cabinet legalizes the actions taken during the purge by the SS as emergency measures

to ensure the security of the country.
to ensure the security of the country.

Hitler claims that since it was all done to protect the nation of Germany, any violence
Hitler claims that since it was all done to protect the nation of Germany, any violence

committed against the SA was warranted and, therefore, legal.
committed against the SA was warranted and, therefore, legal.

This sets a precedence for the genocide he is about to launch against the Jewish people.
This sets a precedence for the genocide he is about to launch against the Jewish people.

If it is legal for the Nazis to kill anyone who threatens the State, then all Hitler has
If it is legal for the Nazis to kill anyone who threatens the State, then all Hitler has

to do is convince German citizens that the Jewish people are trying to overthrow their
to do is convince German citizens that the Jewish people are trying to overthrow their

government and control the economy.
government and control the economy.

Once the German people are convinced of this, they will have no choice but to support the
Once the German people are convinced of this, they will have no choice but to support the

genocide of the Jews.
genocide of the Jews.

This is an easy sell for most at the time as they have been force-fed Nazi propaganda
This is an easy sell for most at the time as they have been force-fed Nazi propaganda

for several years now.
for several years now.

On August 2, 1934 Präsident von Hindenburg dies.
On August 2, 1934 Präsident von Hindenburg dies.

Soon after, Adolf Hitler proclaims himself the Führer of the nation and gives himself
Soon after, Adolf Hitler proclaims himself the Führer of the nation and gives himself

absolute power.
absolute power.

This change in power becomes official on August 19, 1934.
This change in power becomes official on August 19, 1934.

Because of what he did to the SA leadership, Hitler now has the full support of the German
Because of what he did to the SA leadership, Hitler now has the full support of the German

military as well as his SS guard.
military as well as his SS guard.

Since his main opposition to becoming supreme ruler of Germany was destroyed a month prior
Since his main opposition to becoming supreme ruler of Germany was destroyed a month prior

during the Night of Long Knives, there is no one to stop him.
during the Night of Long Knives, there is no one to stop him.

Hitler gains more and more power.
Hitler gains more and more power.

He uses his SS soldiers to carry out his bidding.
He uses his SS soldiers to carry out his bidding.

No one who opposes Adolf Hitler is safe any longer.
No one who opposes Adolf Hitler is safe any longer.

His purge has been complete, and the only thing left for him to do is build up Germany’s
His purge has been complete, and the only thing left for him to do is build up Germany’s

military and prepare for war.
military and prepare for war.

Hitler’s desire to reclaim former territories of the German Empire and eventually expand
Hitler’s desire to reclaim former territories of the German Empire and eventually expand

his influence across the world is coming to fruition.
his influence across the world is coming to fruition.

In the years to come, the world will be plunged into war as Adolf Hitler tries to purge it
In the years to come, the world will be plunged into war as Adolf Hitler tries to purge it

of the Jewish people and basic human rights.
of the Jewish people and basic human rights.

Luckily the Allied Powers will be there to stop him, but not before millions of innocent
Luckily the Allied Powers will be there to stop him, but not before millions of innocent

lives are lost.
lives are lost.

Now watch “Hitler's Plans for the World if He Won.”
Now watch “Hitler's Plans for the World if He Won.”

Or check out “Last 24 Hours of Hitler's Life.”
Or check out “Last 24 Hours of Hitler's Life.”