The leader of the SA was Ernst Rohm, who was a very close friend of Adolf Hitler. When Hitler came to power, the SA felt that their efforts had been justified. They believed now Germany would have social and political revolution. The main members of the SA were in hopes of getting positions of authority as well as higher status similar to the German army. The leader of the SA, Ernst Rohm, wanted to combine the German army and the SA, and for him to have the overall control. He wanted this so he was able to make a step forward for the German revolution. He had high hopes from Hitler, as Hitler had promised him all this before he became a chancellor or came into power. However’ Hitler was not at all interested in ‘second revolution’ or the combining of the SA and German army. He was not keen of giving the SA a higher status as their actions were becoming an embarrassment for Hitler. The SA would go onto the streets and fight, hit or shoot any men, women on little things such as if the person did not salute them etc. The German army were very much against the SA’a military activates was growing in the areas that were demilitarised by the Treaty of Versailles.
Hitler had to choose between having full back up and trust from the German army by removing the SA or support the SA. In which case Hitler chose the German army. It was very much clear now that Hitler had to get rid of the SA, in order to proceed with his plans of becoming a dictator.
On June 30th, the members of the SS (bunch of hired thugs, who followed every command of Hitler), shot Ernst Rohm and other leaders. This was known as the night of the long knives. Hitler saw this opportunity to take revenge from any old enemies and get rid of any threats, which could come in his way of ruling Germany. Hitler’s old enemies such as Strasser and Schleicher were murders amongst other 400 people.
So, how did Hitler get away with murdering 400 people? Simply’ Hitler was a clever man, who knew how to handle situations, which is obviously why he was at the position. Hitler claimed that these men were killed as they were all part of treason plot. The cabinet even thanked Hitler for his ‘determined and courageous actions’ The General of the German army and the President Hindenburg even thanked Hitler publicly. The SA was now only a tool for propaganda etc.
The general public feared and hated the SA as they used to beat up and even murder innocent civilians. The general public was relieved ‘for the moment’. The German army was very much happy to see that the SA was under control and that the German army was the main army.
Finally’ the removal of the SA was mainly beneficial to the Nazis party.