Hitler Oath

The Hitler Oath (German: Führereid or Führer Oath)—also referred in English as the Soldier's Oath—refers to the oaths of allegiance sworn by officers and soldiers of the German Armed Forces and civil servants of Nazi Germany between the years 1934 and 1945. The oath pledged personal loyalty to Adolf Hitler in place of loyalty to the constitution of the country. Historians view the personal oath of the Third Reich as an important psychological element to obey orders for committing war crimes, atrocities, and genocide. During the Nuremberg trials, many German officers unsuccessfully attempted to use the oath as a defence against charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"Soldier's Oath" redirects here. For the 1915 film, see A Soldier's Oath.
This article is about the oath sworn by members of the Wehrmacht and German civil service from 1934. For other uses, see Oaths to Hitler.
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