Who else instaed of Röhm 1930 ?

NoMommsen

Donor
Let's assume :
In May 1930 Hernando Siles Reyes is overthrown by the military junta under Carlos Blanco Galindo. Hans Kundt, the 1st "reformer" of the bolivian army is send to exile, due to long(er) connections with Siles. During this affair the 2nd "reformer" of the bolivian army, Ernst Röhm seeks sanctuary at the german embassy (if really "hunted" or "just in case" I couldn't find out).

But young friend and admirer Germán Busch Becerra convinces the bolivian militaries as well as Ernst Röhm, that he still has a job to do, that he is very capable for - continuing the build up of bolivian forces.

So, when Hitler tries to call him in Sept./Oct 1930 :
"Sorry, but (now) Colonel Röhm has just left for an inspection tour to the southern plains."

At that time Hitler is in almost desperate search for someone who takes the "burden" of leading the SA from him, becomming supreme leader of the SA by himself had just been the only way to stop the 1st SA-Stennes revolt in Berlin. But now after the successfull election there are "bigger" things the "Führer" has to care for.

Might it be again Göring ?
During the 2nd Stennes revolt in March/April 1931 he was made OSAF Ost (Spreme SA-leader east) to keep the trans-elbian SA formations on line, at least for some time.
Might it be Paul Schulz ?
Also known as "Feme-Schulz", who had just entered NSDAP after being released from prison for, becomming a close friend and co-worker of Gregor Strasser. He was crucial in bringing the SA of Berlin back on line after the 2nd Stennes revolt, subjecting it back under the party authority of Goebbels as Gau-leader of Berlin.
Might it be someone else ?
I am eager to see your proposals ;)

Something else I would like to ask your opinions about :

Without Röhm, would the SA still become the "people's army in waiting" ... for replacing the Reichswehr ?
Or would it become/stay the party's "hooligan" troop for pure propaganda reasons Hitler wanted to have it from 1925 onwards ?
 
Last edited:

NoMommsen

Donor
......... no comments, no answers ............

why ?

Too small "detail" in question ?
Too small interset in the questions ?
Too small knowledge of these "details" ? :p

I thought it's a rather interesting POD and question, since it can change the role and outlook of the SA considerable IMO.

The SA was one of the biggest (if not THE biggest since hypercharismatic Hitler couldn't be everywhere) propaganda assests the Nazis had ... and one of the greatest concern esp of the Reichswehr (if perhaps only later).
The appearance and state of organisation of the SA had and would have a graet impact on the further rise and outlook of the nazis towards the "old elite".
 
About the only thing I could say is that Hitlerc would probably kill Goering or the whoever takes the chair if he keeps them as SA leader, since he did the same with a guy he trusted quite a bit (Roehm was one of the only people who could use 'du' around him after all).

Heck, he probably would trust them even less in that case, since while Hitler liked having his goonsquad, he also liked having the support of the extremely well trained established army and industrialists when he came into power.
 

NoMommsen

Donor
About the only thing I could say is that Hitlerc would probably kill Goering or the whoever takes the chair if he keeps them as SA leader, since he did the same with a guy he trusted quite a bit (Roehm was one of the only people who could use 'du' around him after all).

Heck, he probably would trust them even less in that case, since while Hitler liked having his goonsquad, he also liked having the support of the extremely well trained established army and industrialists when he came into power.
THX for your answer :)

Well, Hitler gave the go for the killing of Röhm exactly to what you've stated : he was more interested in the support of the "established army and industrialists".
And they almost demanded to get rid of Röhm .
... because he was the one to make the SA an "army in waiting", he wanted to replace the Reichswehr with the SA and build the SA to especially this purpose right from the day he took control of the SA.
(altough at some moments he gave AH lip services not intending it)

But : would have Göring or anyone else done the same as Röhm ?
 
THX for your answer :)

Well, Hitler gave the go for the killing of Röhm exactly to what you've stated : he was more interested in the support of the "established army and industrialists".
And they almost demanded to get rid of Röhm .
... because he was the one to make the SA an "army in waiting", he wanted to replace the Reichswehr with the SA and build the SA to especially this purpose right from the day he took control of the SA.
(altough at some moments he gave AH lip services not intending it)

But : would have Göring or anyone else done the same as Röhm ?

Goering was interested in power and prestige and liked to hog the spotlight. He'd probably also be inclined to create a standing army of his own since he was very reluctant to not monopolize things. He was so domineering in the Luftwaffe for instance he insisted that even naval planes were under its authority. However, unlike Roehm, he could be bribed and influenced towards changing his tune since he was far more of an opportunist. Hence why I say he still has a good chance of being greased by Hitler if he had control of such a big outfit.
 

NoMommsen

Donor
Goering was interested in power and prestige and liked to hog the spotlight. He'd probably also be inclined to create a standing army of his own since he was very reluctant to not monopolize things. He was so domineering in the Luftwaffe for instance he insisted that even naval planes were under its authority. However, unlike Roehm, he could be bribed and influenced towards changing his tune since he was far more of an opportunist. Hence why I say he still has a good chance of being greased by Hitler if he had control of such a big outfit.
Some good points in favour of Göring to get the job.

On the other hand : Göring might have been more important in the role he had at that time - being Hitlers contact to militaries and influential industrialists as well as rightish politicians.
For such a position being leader of the SA - that had a "reputation" already - might have been unconveniant.

btw : Any idea why made Hitler the trouble searching and phoning acroos the continents to find and reach Röhm at all ?
 
Top