The Night Of Long Knives – Max Gallo

Description

This book delves into the brutal events of the “Night of the Long Knives,” a pivotal moment in Nazi Germany’s history. By the summer of 1934, Adolf Hitler had consolidated significant political power, but hardline factions within his own party accused him of betraying the National Socialist agenda. Ernst Röhm, a once-close ally and leader of the SA (Sturmabteilung or “Brown Shirts”), had become a vocal critic of Hitler. In response, Hitler orchestrated a weekend of arrests, executions, and assassinations that led to Röhm’s downfall and the elimination of his supporters.

Max Gallo meticulously reconstructs the violent weekend of June 29, 1934, providing a step-by-step account of how Hitler’s rivals within the SA were executed, with the backing of key figures like Himmler, Heydrich, and Göring. The book offers a chilling exploration of the power struggle between Röhm’s SA and the SS, highlighting how Hitler exploited this conflict to cement his authority and eliminate any threats to his rule.