Hindenburg, Papen, and Schleicher
The complex political manoeuvres involving President Hindenburg and his chancellors.
Key Questions
- Explain why Hindenburg initially resisted appointing Hitler as Chancellor.
- Analyze the motivations of von Papen and von Schleicher in their political intrigues.
- Evaluate the extent to which these political 'backstairs intrigues' facilitated Hitler's rise.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
The Night of the Long Knives (June 1934) was the final step in Hitler's consolidation of power. This topic explores the internal power struggle between the SA, led by Ernst Röhm, and the regular German Army. Röhm wanted a 'second revolution' to socialist-leaning policies and for the SA to absorb the Army, which horrified the conservative generals whose support Hitler needed.
Students examine how Hitler chose the loyalty of the Army over his old comrades, using the SS to murder Röhm and hundreds of other potential rivals. This event is crucial because it secured the Army's support and led to the soldiers swearing a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler. This topic benefits from a 'decision-making' simulation where students weigh the pros and cons of supporting the SA versus the Army.
Active Learning Ideas
Decision-Making Simulation: The Leader's Choice
Students act as Hitler's advisors in early 1934. They are presented with two 'briefs': one from Röhm (demanding a second revolution) and one from the Army Generals (demanding the SA be reined in). They must list the risks of alienating each group before deciding which to purge.
Inquiry Circle: The SS vs. the SA
In pairs, students compare the characteristics of the SA and the SS. They create a Venn diagram showing their similarities and differences, identifying why the SS became Hitler's preferred tool for the purge and his future 'state within a state'.
Think-Pair-Share: The Power of the Oath
Students read the text of the 1934 Army Oath. They discuss in pairs why swearing an oath to a *person* (Hitler) rather than the *state* was such a significant turning point for the German military.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionHitler purged the SA because he disagreed with their violence.
What to Teach Instead
Hitler had used and encouraged SA violence for years. The purge was about a power struggle and the need to win over the Army, not a rejection of violence itself. A 'political motives' checklist helps students identify the real reasons for the purge.
Common MisconceptionThe German public was horrified by the murders.
What to Teach Instead
Many Germans actually welcomed the purge, believing Hitler was 'restoring order' by getting rid of the rowdy SA. Analyzing contemporary newspaper reports helps students see how the Nazi propaganda machine successfully spun the event.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ernst Röhm a threat to Hitler?
What was the role of the SS in the Night of the Long Knives?
What was the significance of the Army Oath of Loyalty?
How can active learning help students understand the Night of the Long Knives?
Planning templates for History
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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