Why did Hitler have distrust towards Ernst Rohm?

Hitler's distrust towards Ernst Rohm stemmed primarily from Rohm's position as the leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA), the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. Rohm's SA had grown significantly in power and influence during the early years of the Nazi movement, and this expansion created a formidable force that could potentially challenge Hitler's authority. As the SA sought to gain more political power and the loyalty of the working class, it became evident to Hitler that Rohm's ambitions could jeopardize his plans for the consolidation of power.

Moreover, Hitler's vision for the Nazi Party increasingly required support from the German military and conservative elites, who viewed the SA's radical nature and Rohm's open calls for a "second revolution" as a threat. To placate these groups, Hitler sought to minimize Rohm's influence and the power of the SA, leading to the purge of Rohm and many SA leaders during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934. This action reasserted Hitler's control and eliminated a rival faction within the party, solidifying his position as the unchallenged leader of Nazi Germany.

Understanding Rohm's role within the SA is crucial to grasping the complex dynamics of power within the Nazi