Chapter 2
Fanning the Flames

Shortly before German president Paul von Hindenburg died, Hitler secured the support of the military. Before joining him, the nation’s generals called upon Hitler to curb the SA (Sturmabteilung)—Nazi storm troopers who had first intimidated their opposition and then demanded leadership of the military. Hitler, aware of his need for the military’s support, was happy to comply. On June 29, 1934, Hitler used the pretext of a coup plot to purge his party of the most troublesome SA members. He organized the roundup and execution of SA chief Ernst Röhm and nearly 400 others. When the purge was over, the SA was left powerless and most of its duties went to the SS (Schutz-staffel), the elite corps.