In 1933, Himmler and Heydrich realized that they had created a strong enough organization to challenge and discredit the SA. Himmler and Heydrich began by trying to manipulate Goring and penetrate the SA's hold on Prussian police activities. Goring was extremely willing to support the SS's counter-SA activity since he had already questioned SA loyalty and believed he could gain political power if the SA was out of the picture. In addition, the SA's police activities were rivals to Goring's Gestapo which had been established in Prussia since early 1933.20 Goring was also the Prussian Minister of the Interior and did not appreciate the SA's bid for police control in his area of influence.
To assist in monitoring SA and other possible opponent's …show more content…
Rohm constantly referred to the coming of the "second National-Socialist revolution."25 Their objectives had not changed with Hitler's rise to power. The SA and the SA leadership, in effect, felt cheated out of what they believed was their claim within the Nazi power structure. Rohm wanted to eventually gain control of the German military, but there were no indications that Hitler would allow that to happen. Instead of creating ties within the Army ranks, Rohm was simply alienating them and creating another political opponent. The Army leadership was not going to let Rohm take over the Defense Ministry and control the Army. Rohm was digging himself a ditch. His opponent list was growing rapidly. His speeches were antagonistic towards the Nazi Party, his ambitions contrary to the direction of National Socialism and his revolutionary stance was outdated. He did not realize that he was supplying evidence to his eventual executioners.
During the first few months of 1934, Rohm continued to preach a revolutionary message to his SA men during his "inspection tours."26 He tried to strengthen his political position by criticizing the party and securing the devotion of the three and a half million SA troops. These examples assisted Heydrich, Himmler and Goring's case against the SA. With this evidence and additional fabricated material, they convinced Hitler that a purge of the SA was necessary. The decision was made, and the details were left to Himmler and
To assist in monitoring SA and other possible opponent's …show more content…
Rohm constantly referred to the coming of the "second National-Socialist revolution."25 Their objectives had not changed with Hitler's rise to power. The SA and the SA leadership, in effect, felt cheated out of what they believed was their claim within the Nazi power structure. Rohm wanted to eventually gain control of the German military, but there were no indications that Hitler would allow that to happen. Instead of creating ties within the Army ranks, Rohm was simply alienating them and creating another political opponent. The Army leadership was not going to let Rohm take over the Defense Ministry and control the Army. Rohm was digging himself a ditch. His opponent list was growing rapidly. His speeches were antagonistic towards the Nazi Party, his ambitions contrary to the direction of National Socialism and his revolutionary stance was outdated. He did not realize that he was supplying evidence to his eventual executioners.
During the first few months of 1934, Rohm continued to preach a revolutionary message to his SA men during his "inspection tours."26 He tried to strengthen his political position by criticizing the party and securing the devotion of the three and a half million SA troops. These examples assisted Heydrich, Himmler and Goring's case against the SA. With this evidence and additional fabricated material, they convinced Hitler that a purge of the SA was necessary. The decision was made, and the details were left to Himmler and