Paul von Hindenburg

Lore & Background

Hindenburg was born to a family of minor Prussian nobility in the Grand Duchy of Posen. He enlisted in the Third Regiment of Foot Guards and saw combat during the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. After studying at the Prussian War College, he joined the General Staff, taught at the War Academy, and rose to lieutenant general by 1900, retiring in 1911. Recalled after World War I broke out in July 1914, he achieved fame on the Eastern Front as the victor of the Battle of Tannenberg. Promoted to field marshal in November 1914, he became commander of all German forces in the East and later Chief of the Great General Staff in 1916. With his deputy Erich Ludendorff, he established a de facto military dictatorship, securing Russia's defeat and major advances on the Western Front before Germany's eventual defeat. After the armistice, he stepped down and retired again in 1919.

Reader's Guide

Hindenburg returned to public life in 1925 to become the second elected president of the Weimar Republic. Opposed to Hitler and the Nazi Party, he nonetheless contributed to instability that aided their rise. After twice dissolving the Reichstag in 1932, he reluctantly appointed Hitler as chancellor in January 1933. He approved the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties, and signed the Enabling Act of 1933, granting the Nazi regime emergency powers. After Hindenburg's death in 1934, Hitler combined the presidency with the chancellery and declared himself Führer, transforming Germany into a totalitarian dictatorship. Hindenburg's legacy is thus deeply tied to the democratic breakdown and Nazi consolidation of power.

Did You Know?

• Hindenburg was 1.98 m (6 feet 6 inches) tall with a muscular frame and striking blue eyes.
• He was knocked unconscious at the Battle of Königgrätz when a bullet pierced his helmet and creased his skull.
• He served as a page to the widow of King Frederick William IV of Prussia at age 18.
• Hindenburg's regiment suffered 1096 casualties at the Battle of Saint Privat during the Franco-Prussian War.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Paul von Hindenburg (2 October 1847 - 2 August 1934) was a Prussian-German field marshal, statesman, and politician. He was the second and final president of the Weimar Republic." — Paul von Hindenburg "You cannot wage war with sentimentality. The more ruthlessly war is conducted, the more merciful is it in fact, for it finishes the war the sooner." — Paul von Hindenburg "I need them for the manoeuvring of my left wing in the next war." — Paul von Hindenburg "1866 was a duel between two gentlemen; in 1870-71 we were obliged to chastise an impudent street arab; but to-day we must knock down a scoundrel." — Paul von Hindenburg