Night of the Long Knives

The Night of the Long Knives (1934) (German, Nacht der langen Messer), also known as Reichsmordwoche or "the Blood Purge", was a lethal purge of potential political rivals in the Sturmabteilung (SA) paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. Occurring late on a Saturday night, the murders targeted Nazi members who were associated more with socialism than with nationalism, and hence were viewed as a threat by Chancellor Adolf Hitler. It took place a year after the SA had itself been used to expel Communist deputies from the Reichstag, which had permitted the passage of the Enabling Act giving Hitler dictatorial powers.

Popular culture

In La caduta degli dei ("The Damned"), a 1969 movie by Luchino Visconti, key events take place during the Night of the Long Knives.

Related Topics:
La caduta degli dei - Luchino Visconti

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