First Priority - The Night of the Long Knives

A fear of all dictators revolves around the inability to trust the people around you. These individuals watch how power was seized, and therefore, may want to take over the position themselves. Historically, dictators have taken the important step to eliminate the competition. Hitler was no different and began murdering his completion within the party almost immediately.

A number of individuals existed in the party that Hitler did not trust. Many of these men were in his "brown shirt" organization. On 30 June 1934, at 3:00 in the morning, Hitler sent his personal bodyguards the "schutzstaffel" or SS to arrest key leaders of the "brown shirts."

In all, 1000 men were picked up, driven to local prisons and shot. These were the same men that Hitler used to gain power, and in many cases, were close personal friends. With elimination of potential threats to his rule, and the death of Hindenburg, Hitler was in firm control.

The only institution that could threaten his power was the army. As Chancellor and President of Germany, Hitler took the bold step of forcing the army to swear allegiance to him personally. This meant that the soldiers were to fight for him, not their country.

Eyewitness Account

I swear by God this holy oath, that I will render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer of the German Reich and People, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and will be ready as a brave soldier to risk my life at any time for this oath.

German Army Oath