The “Night of the Long Knives” refers to a purge that took place in Nazi Germany from June 30 to July 2, 1934. This event, orchestrated by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, was aimed at eliminating perceived threats to Hitler’s power. The primary target was the leadership of the Sturmabteilung (SA), a paramilitary organization within the Nazi Party. The SA had been instrumental in Hitler’s rise to power but had become a potential threat due to its increasing power and the radical views of its leader, Ernst Röhm.

Hitler and other top Nazi officials, fearing Röhm’s influence and the SA’s potential to disrupt the established order, decided to act. They justified the purge by accusing Röhm and other SA leaders of plotting a coup. In reality, the purge was also used to eliminate other political opponents and rivals, including conservatives, members of other political parties, and even some within the Nazi Party who were seen as threats to Hitler’s absolute control.

During this period, hundreds of people were arrested and many were executed without trial. The exact number of victims is unclear, but estimates suggest that between 85 to 200 people were killed. The purge consolidated Hitler’s power and marked the beginning of a period of increased terror and totalitarian control in Nazi Germany. The event was also a turning point for the SS (Schutzstaffel), another paramilitary organization within the Nazi Party, which gained prominence and became a primary tool of repression.

The term “psychopathic god” is used by some historians and scholars to describe Adolf Hitler due to his authoritarian rule, ruthless policies, and the cult of personality that surrounded him. This characterization emphasizes the absolute power Hitler wielded in Nazi Germany and his capacity for extreme cruelty, often associated with psychopathic traits.

1. Cult of Personality: Hitler was portrayed as an infallible leader, almost god-like, whose vision and guidance were seen as the salvation of Germany. This idolization was cultivated through propaganda, mass rallies, and the manipulation of media, creating a powerful and loyal following.
2. Psychopathic Traits: The term “psychopathic” refers to a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, egotistical behavior, and often a tendency towards violence. Hitler exhibited many of these traits:
   • Lack of Empathy: Hitler’s policies led to the systematic extermination of millions of Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, political opponents, and others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.
   • Grandiosity: Hitler had grandiose visions for Germany’s future, often delusional and disconnected from reality, including the idea of a “thousand-year Reich.”
   • Manipulation: He was highly manipulative, using propaganda, lies, and deceit to achieve his goals and maintain control.
   • Paranoia: Hitler was highly distrustful of others, often purging those he perceived as threats, such as during the Night of the Long Knives.
3. Absolute Power and Totalitarianism: Hitler’s rule was marked by total control over the state and society. He centralized power, eliminated political opposition, and used state mechanisms like the Gestapo and SS to enforce his will.
4. Mass Destruction and Suffering: Under Hitler’s leadership, the world witnessed unprecedented destruction, including World War II and the Holocaust. The scale of human suffering caused by his policies is a key reason for labeling him as a figure of pure evil or a “psychopathic god.”

While “psychopathic god” is not a clinical diagnosis, it conveys the extreme nature of Hitler’s personality and the almost deified status he held among his followers, combined with his capacity for inhumane and ruthless actions.