To realize his long-term expansionist goals, Hitler had to have absolute control of the armed forces. According to the Weimar Constitution, the armed forces were subordinate to the Reich President. On the day of Hindenburg's death, Hitler had the Reichswehr swear an oath of allegiance to him personally and made it pledge its unconditional loyalty. The oath went as follows: “I swear to God this holy oath, that I will offer unconditional obedience to the Führer of the German Reich and People, Adolf Hitler, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and that I am prepared as a brave soldier, to lay down my life at any time for this oath.”