The Night of the Long Knives?
The Night of the Long Knives was significant because it marked a turning point in the Third Reich; as the first publicised official government purge, it signalled the types of activities for which they would later be primarily known. Its name was coined by Hitler, alluding to a popular German song about revenge, which captured the direction in which he wanted to push his particular version of events as part of Nazi propaganda.
Hitler 's speech proved the Night of the Long Knives ' short-term significance by confirming his unmatched power; his contempt for traditional law evidenced the fact that he was above all authority. The origin of the source is a nationally broadcasted …show more content…
This was significant as it set a precedent for the Nazis dealing with political enemies without being questioned, in spite of clear signs of deception such as suspicious changes to the "official press release from party headquarters" switching it up from "self-defence to suicide" to adjust culpability. In spite of his power and influence, he wanted the public to look favourably upon the actions of his government.
Hitler 's motives for dishonesty about how these dissenters were dealt with were to eliminate the risk they posed to the Nazis ' retention of power under claims of legality and please other possible allies. Martin refers to "the fear expressed by the army over the 3 million SA men" as not being without foundation, another reason for the significance of certain leaders being assassinated. Given the 100,000 limit imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, it is understandable why the generals would not have wanted their men to be so outnumbered, especially in the climate of unrest with "threats of "martial law cropping up from the left-leaning Nazis who wanted a