Röhm was born in Munich, Bavaria, the son of a railway official. He joined the Imperial German Army in 1906 and served as an officer during World War I. After the war, he became involved in right-wing politics and joined the Nazi Party in 1919. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of Hitler's most trusted lieutenants.
In 1923, Röhm and Hitler were both arrested for their role in the Beer Hall Putsch, an attempt to overthrow the Weimar government. Röhm was sentenced to five years in prison, but was released after serving only a few months. After his release, he reorganized the SA and transformed it into a powerful paramilitary force.
In the early 1930s, Röhm and the SA played a key role in the Nazi's rise to power. The SA intimidated political opponents, disrupted opposition rallies, and helped Hitler to consolidate his control over Germany. However, Röhm's ambitions and the increasing power of the SA began to worry Hitler and other Nazi leaders. They feared that Röhm and the SA were becoming too independent and that they might pose a threat to the Nazi regime.
In June 1934, Hitler ordered the SS to carry out a purge of the SA leadership, including Röhm. On 30 June 1934, Röhm was arrested and taken to Stadelheim Prison in Munich. The following day, he was shot and killed by SS officers.
Röhm's death marked the end of the SA as a powerful force within the Nazi regime. It also marked a turning point in Hitler's consolidation of power, as it eliminated one of the last potential threats to his authority.