Meaning: The quote "I have the feeling that this Moscow Pact will at some time or other exact vengeance upon National Socialism." by Alfred Rosenberg, a prominent figure in the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), also known as the Nazi Party, reflects the complex and shifting alliances that characterized the geopolitics of World War II. The Moscow Pact, referred to in the quote, was a non-aggression pact signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939. This pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact after the foreign ministers of the two countries who signed it, paved the way for the division of Eastern Europe into spheres of influence and set the stage for the outbreak of World War II.

Alfred Rosenberg, as one of the leading ideologues of the Nazi Party, held a significant role in shaping the intellectual underpinnings of National Socialism. His statement about the Moscow Pact reflects a degree of skepticism or apprehension about the long-term implications of the alliance between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It suggests a belief that the pact, rather than being a stable and enduring agreement, would ultimately bring retribution upon National Socialism, the ideological foundation of the Nazi regime.

Rosenberg's quote encapsulates the uncertain and transient nature of political alliances during this tumultuous period in history. The signing of the Moscow Pact was a surprising turn of events, as the ideological chasm between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union seemed insurmountable. However, the pragmatic geopolitical calculations of both regimes led them to enter into this pact, which included a secret protocol that delineated the spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, effectively consigning the Baltic states, Finland, and Poland to Soviet control.

The quote also carries an undertone of foreshadowing, hinting at the potential for the Moscow Pact to bring about consequences that would be detrimental to National Socialism. Indeed, the pact's repercussions were profound and far-reaching. Less than two years after its signing, the Nazi-Soviet alliance collapsed with the launch of Operation Barbarossa, as Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. The surprise attack shattered the Moscow Pact and initiated a new phase of brutal conflict on the Eastern Front, leading to immense suffering and loss of life on both sides.

By expressing a sense of foreboding regarding the Moscow Pact, Rosenberg's quote underscores the fluid and unpredictable dynamics of international relations during times of war. It highlights the complexities and contradictions inherent in political alliances, as well as the potential for such alliances to unravel and give rise to unforeseen consequences.

In conclusion, Alfred Rosenberg's quote about the Moscow Pact provides valuable insight into the shifting alliances and intricate geopolitical maneuverings of the World War II era. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of political alliances and the unforeseen repercussions that may arise from such agreements. The quote also reflects the skepticism and apprehension felt by some within the Nazi leadership regarding the long-term implications of the pact with the Soviet Union. Ultimately, the collapse of the Moscow Pact and the subsequent conflict between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union would have profound and enduring effects on the course of World War II and the broader sweep of history.