It was referred to in the initial planning stages as Operation Hummingbird, and was partially in response to a speech given at Marburg University by the Vice-Chancellor.  
It was referred to in the initial planning stages as Operation Hummingbird, and was partially in response to a speech given at Marburg University by the Vice-Chancellor.  One pretext for it was the homosexuality of some of the leading Storm Troopers, but in actuality it was done to curtail a threat to both the army and the Fuhrer's power.  Ernst Rohm, a member of Hitler's inner circle, was shot in his cell after being given the chance to commit suicide.  For 10 points, what is the name given to the June 30th purge of the SA's leadership and other opponents of the Nazi party?
It was referred to in the initial planning stages as Operation Hummingbird, and was partially in response to a speech given at Marburg University by the Vice-Chancellor.  
{Night} of the {Long Knives} [or {Nacht der langen Messer}]