Meaning: The quote "I expect that on the 1st of August, the SA will be once more ready for duty" by Ernst Röhm, a German soldier and early member of the Nazi Party, reflects his commitment to the Sturmabteilung (SA), also known as the Stormtroopers or Brownshirts. Röhm was one of the key figures in the development of the SA and played a significant role in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. His words convey a sense of anticipation and readiness for action, suggesting a dedication to the cause and a sense of urgency.

Ernst Röhm was born in 1887 and served as a highly decorated officer in the German Army during World War I. Following the war, he became involved in right-wing paramilitary groups and eventually joined the Nazi Party, where he was instrumental in expanding and organizing the SA. The SA was a paramilitary organization that played a crucial role in the early years of the Nazi Party, using violent tactics to intimidate political opponents and advance the party's agenda.

Röhm's quote reflects the militaristic and disciplined ethos of the SA, emphasizing the importance of being "ready for duty" by a specific date. This mindset was characteristic of the SA's approach to political activism, as its members were expected to be prepared for action and loyal to the Nazi cause at all times. Röhm's leadership and influence within the SA were significant, and his words would have carried weight among its members.

The specific date mentioned in the quote, the 1st of August, suggests a deadline or a planned event for which the SA needed to be prepared. This could have been a rally, a demonstration, or some other form of organized political action. Röhm's emphasis on readiness underscores the SA's role as a militant force dedicated to furthering the goals of the Nazi Party through aggressive and assertive means.

It is important to note that Röhm's leadership within the SA came to an abrupt end during the "Night of the Long Knives" in 1934. Adolf Hitler, fearing Röhm's growing power and independence, ordered the execution of Röhm and other high-ranking SA leaders, effectively eliminating any potential challenge to his authority. This event marked a significant turning point in the internal dynamics of the Nazi Party and solidified Hitler's control over the German military and paramilitary forces.

Röhm's quote, therefore, also carries a sense of historical significance, as it captures a moment in time when the SA and its leaders were at the height of their influence and power. It serves as a reminder of the intense political and ideological climate of the time, as well as the ruthless power struggles that characterized the Nazi regime.

In conclusion, Ernst Röhm's quote "I expect that on the 1st of August, the SA will be once more ready for duty" encapsulates the fervent dedication and militaristic zeal of the SA under his leadership. It reflects the urgency and discipline of the organization, as well as the historical context of the rise of the Nazi Party in pre-World War II Germany. Despite Röhm's eventual downfall, his words stand as a testament to the intense ideological fervor and aggressive tactics employed by the SA in its pursuit of Nazi goals.