The Night of the Long Knives

The Night of the Long Knives was a purge that took place in Nazi Germany in June 1934, where Adolf Hitler ordered the execution of many political rivals and internal critics within the Nazi Party, especially those around his paramilitary group, the SA. This purge aimed to consolidate Hitler's power, eliminate potential threats, and gain support from the German Army. Over several days, hundreds of people were arrested or killed. The event solidified Hitler's control over Germany and marked a turning point toward a more centralized and brutal dictatorship.