Paul von Hindenburg — Profile, Rankings & Fame Trend

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

The aging Prussian field marshal who defeated Russia at Tannenberg became Germany's president — then handed the keys to Hitler. His appointment of the Nazi leader as chancellor in 1933, despite his personal opposition, opened the door to dictatorship.

Biography

About

Hindenburg was born in 1847 to minor Prussian nobility and fought in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars before rising through the General Staff to lieutenant general. He retired in 1911 but was recalled when World War I began, winning the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914 and becoming a national hero. By 1916 he and deputy Erich Ludendorff had established a de facto military dictatorship, securing Russia's defeat before Germany's fortunes collapsed in 1918. He returned as Weimar Republic president in 1925, and after twice dissolving the Reichstag in 1932, reluctantly appointed Hitler as c…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Paul von Hindenburg

Paul von Hindenburg

said1 Aug 1934

Interview of 1929, as quoted in "Nations are greatly concerned over death of German President" in Berkeley Daily Gazette (1 August 1934)

— Variant translation:

Paul von Hindenburg

said11 May 1934

I thank Providence for allowing me, in the evening of my life, to see the hour of recuperation.

— Testament (11 May 1934), quoted in W. W. Coole (ed.), Thus Spake Germany (London: George Routledge & Sons, 1941), p. 116

Paul von Hindenburg

said13 Jan 1930

I have always been a Monarchist. In sentiment I still am. Now it is too late for me to change. But it is not for me to say that the new way is not the better way, the right way.

— As quoted in TIME magazine (13 January 1930)

Paul von Hindenburg

said19 Sep 1927