What did the army oath sworn on August 2, 1934 signify?

The army oath sworn on August 2, 1934, represented a commitment to loyalty to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime rather than a broader political agreement or a pledge to support the Weimar Republic. This oath signified a transformation in military allegiance, where soldiers swore loyalty directly to Hitler as the Führer of Germany rather than to the state itself. This shift was crucial for consolidating Hitler’s power and ensuring that the armed forces were dedicated to his leadership, which enabled the Nazis to rearm the military and pursue their aggressive policies without political interference.

The context surrounding this oath illustrates the Nazis' strategic move to control the military and ensure its support for the regime’s objectives, including expansionist and authoritarian goals. Amid the deteriorating political landscape of the Weimar Republic, this act forged a direct loyalty that solidified military support for the Nazi regime.

This understanding helps clarify why the other options do not accurately reflect the significance of the army oath.