1934, June 30. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1934, June 30

The GREAT BLOOD PURGE, in which, according to Hitler's own admission in the Reichstag (July 13), 77 persons, many of them leaders high in the party, were summarily executed because of an alleged plot against Hitler and the regime. In reality this dramatic move was directed against representatives of the more radical, social revolutionary wing of the party, which aimed at incorporation of the storm troopers (i.e., party forces) in the army, and at far-reaching property changes. Outstanding among the victims were Gen. von Schleicher and his wife (later said to have been shot by mistake); Ernst Roehm, one of the ablest organizers in the movement; Gregor Strasser, one of the earliest and most energetic but also one of the most radical of the Nazis; and Erich Klausener, prominent Catholic leader.	1

Aug. 1

Law concerning the head of the state, combining the presidency and chancellorship.	2

Aug. 2

Death of President von Hindenburg (age 87).	3

Aug. 19

A plebiscite approved Hitler's assumption of the presidency and of sole executive power (88 percent of the votes affirmative). Hitler, however, preferred to retain the title Der Führer.	4


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.