In February 1938, Adolf Hitler took a decisive step in asserting his control over the German military by appointing himself as the head of the Armed Forces High Command (OKW). At this time, Hitler was keen to streamline military leadership and eliminate any potential opposition to his strategic decisions. The need for such a consolidation came amidst growing tensions in Europe, with potential conflicts looming as Hitler pursued aggressive expansions in Austria and Czechoslovakia. By placing himself at the top of the military hierarchy, Hitler aimed to not only ensure loyalty from military leaders but also to integrate military directives closely with his political objectives.

Hitler's self-appointment was made against a backdrop of declining confidence in traditional military leaders, as he believed they had failed to appreciate the importance of rapid military action and the need for unconventional tactics, which he had used effectively in the previous conflicts. This act also marked a significant shift in military governance where Hitler shifted from merely a political leader to a military strategist, entrenching his ideology in the military operations of Nazi Germany.

The repercussions of Hitler’s decision reverberated throughout the military hierarchy, impacting decisions and strategies that would lead to the onset of World War II. The OKW, now firmly under Hitler's command, became an instrument to execute his aggressive foreign policy, ushering in a series of military campaigns that would change the course of history. This transformation heralded a period where military and political objectives would become increasingly intertwined, fundamentally altering the nature of German warfare and governance during the Nazi era.