Which group did the Nazis target during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934?

The Night of the Long Knives, which took place in June 1934, was a significant event in Nazi Germany where Adolf Hitler ordered a series of political extrajudicial executions. The primary targets during this purge were the leadership of the SA (Sturmabteilung or Storm Detachment), notably Ernst Röhm, who was seen as a potential rival to Hitler. The SA had played a crucial role in the rise of the Nazi Party, but by 1934, they were perceived as a threat to Hitler's consolidation of power due to their radical views and their call for a "second revolution" that sought to address social and economic unrest, which conflicted with Hitler’s plans for a centralized authority.

Additionally, other political adversaries, both inside and outside the party, were targeted during this operation, including members of the conservative establishment and political rivals who posed a challenge to Hitler's authority. This purge effectively eliminated opposition within the party and ensured the loyalty of the German military, which was skeptical of the SA. The success of this operation solidified Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and Germany, allowing him to reshape the political landscape according to his vision.

The other groups mentioned, such as the Jewish community leaders and Communist party members