What was the main event of the Night of Long Knives?

The Night of Long Knives, which occurred in June 1934, primarily involved the execution of leaders of the SA (Sturmabteilung) on Hitler's orders. This event was significant as it represented a consolidation of power for Hitler by eliminating potential threats within his own party and from the SA, which had been a powerful paramilitary organization supporting the Nazi regime. The SA, led by Ernst Röhm, had grown increasingly aggressive and posed a challenge to Hitler's authority, particularly in his relationship with the German Army and other conservative factions.

By ordering the execution of key figures within the SA, including Röhm, Hitler aimed to appease the military and solidify his control over the Nazi Party by demonstrating that he would not tolerate dissent or competition. This event also served to bolster the loyalty of the German Army to Hitler, as it effectively placed the SA under the control of the military and removed a significant rival power source within the Nazi regime. Thus, the executions carried out during the Night of Long Knives were crucial for Hitler's consolidation of power and the establishment of his dictatorship in Germany.