The Night of the Long Knives, also known as the Rohm Purge, was a series of political murders that took place in Germany in 1934. The event was orchestrated by Adolf Hitler and his inner circle. Its purpose was to target members of the SA (Storm Troopers), a paramilitary organisation that had played a key role in the rise of the Nazi Party. The main target of the purge was Ernst Rohm, the leader of the SA, who was perceived as a threat to Hitler’s leadership.

This lesson plan focuses on using primary sources to analyse Hitler’s decision to enact the Night of the Long Knives. Students will analyse sources from Hitler, Rohm, Anthony Eden, Field-Marshal von Kleist, and Goering, which will provide them with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the event.

Through source analysis activities, students will learn to test the credibility of different sources and consider the authors’ perspectives and biases. They will also use comprehension and critical thinking skills as they interpret the sources to form their own conclusions about the event.

Students will also learn about the historical context of the Night of the Long Knives. This includes the rise of the Nazi Party and the role of the SA in the early years of the Third Reich. By analysing primary sources from key figures involved in the event, students will gain a deeper understanding of the night’s motivations, actions, and consequences.

This lesson plan is flexible, allowing teachers to adapt it to the needs of their students and classroom. It could be a standalone lesson or integrated into a larger unit on modern European history.

This lesson plan on Night of the Long Knives Rohm Source Investigation examines one of the most controversial events in modern history. Through the use of primary sources, students will gain a deeper understanding of the motivations, actions, and consequences of the Night of the Long Knives. They will also develop important critical thinking and source analysis skills.