Ernst Ren Founder and leader of the storm troopers of the Nazi Party (SA). Date of Birth: 28.11.1887 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Political Involvement
3. Creation of the SA
4. Close Association with Hitler
5. Involvement in the Beer Hall Putsch
6. Reform and Expansion of the SA
7. Growing Influence and Concerns
8. Government Appointment and Conflict
9. Night of the Long Knives

Early Life and Military Career

Ernst Röhm was born on November 28, 1887, in Munich, Germany. The son of a minor official, Röhm embarked on a military career and fought in World War I, where he received the Iron Cross for bravery. During the war, Röhm sustained a severe injury that resulted in the partial loss of his nose.

Political Involvement

Following the war, Röhm joined the Freikorps and became involved in political intrigue. He participated in a conspiracy against the communist government in Bavaria and later joined the German Workers' Party (DAP) in 1919.

Creation of the SA

Röhm played a pivotal role in establishing the Sturmabteilung (SA), the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. As an organizer and strategist, he believed in harnessing support from the lower classes to restore Germany to its former glory. Röhm's ability to recruit and motivate former soldiers and Freikorps members provided the party with a formidable force.

Close Association with Hitler

Röhm became one of Hitler's closest associates and the only person the Nazi leader addressed informally. He played a crucial role in protecting Hitler and the NSDAP, using his military connections to secure funding and ensure their safety.

Involvement in the Beer Hall Putsch

In 1923, Röhm participated in the Beer Hall Putsch, an attempt to seize power in Munich. After the failed uprising, he was arrested and imprisoned along with Hitler. However, Röhm was soon released and continued to lead the SA, despite its official ban.

Reform and Expansion of the SA

Returning to Berlin in 1930, Röhm reformed the SA, creating a new structure and recruiting thousands of new members. By mid-1931, the SA boasted over 400,000 members, outnumbering the German army.

Growing Influence and Concerns

As the SA grew in size and influence, other Nazi leaders became increasingly concerned. Röhm's advocacy for a "Second Revolution" and his plans to transform the SA into a national army alarmed the military and industrialists alike.

Government Appointment and Conflict

In 1933, Röhm was appointed Minister Without Portfolio in Hitler's government. However, tensions between the SA and other Nazi factions escalated. Hitler ordered a reduction in the SA's size, and Röhm was expelled from the German Officer League.

Night of the Long Knives

On June 30, 1934, in what became known as the "Night of the Long Knives," Röhm and his associates were arrested and executed. SS chief Heinrich Himmler and the Gestapo carried out the purge, eliminating the threat posed by the SA and Röhm's ambitions.