1893-1923: Early Life
Ernst Röhm, born in Munich, served in World War I and became involved in right-wing paramilitary politics. He first met Hitler in 1919 and became one of his earliest supporters.
Ernst Röhm, born in Munich, served in World War I and became involved in right-wing paramilitary politics. He first met Hitler in 1919 and became one of his earliest supporters.
As a founding member of the Nazi Party, Röhm helped establish the SA (Sturmabteilung). He participated in the Beer Hall Putsch and became Hitler's close ally.
Röhm transformed the SA into a powerful paramilitary force of over 3 million men, becoming one of the most powerful figures in Nazi Germany.
Röhm's vision of a "second revolution" and the SA's increasing autonomy created conflict with Hitler and other Nazi leaders. The German Army viewed the SA as a threat.
Hitler ordered a purge of the SA leadership. Röhm was arrested at Bad Wiessee and imprisoned at Stadelheim Prison in Munich.
Röhm was executed in his cell after refusing Hitler's offer to commit suicide. His death marked the end of the SA's prominence and the consolidation of Hitler's absolute power.