Paul von Hindenburg
Originally from 6 Podgórna Street in Poznań, Paul von Hindenburg rose to become one of the most recognized Politicians from German.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847–1934)
"His most defining career moment was his decision to appoint Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany in January 1933." — About Paul von Hindenburg
| Metric | Paul von Hindenburg | Avg Politician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 86 | 70 | +16 yrs |
| Career length | 68 yrs | ~35 yrs | +33 yrs |
| Based on 39 Politician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Paul von Hindenburg
Did you know that Hindenburg initially refused to shake Hitler's hand upon their first meeting, reportedly remarking, 'This man will never make a statesman.'
- He briefly retired from the military in 1911 before being recalled to active duty at the start of World War I.
- Hindenburg was a key figure in propagating the 'stab-in-the-back' myth (Dolchstoßlegende) after WWI.
- He was 77 years old when he was first elected President of the Weimar Republic in 1925, making him the oldest head of state at the time.
- Despite his conservative views, he initially disliked Adolf Hitler, reportedly calling him 'the Bohemian corporal'.
- His family had a long military tradition, with ancestors serving in the Prussian army since the 17th century.
His most defining career moment was his decision to appoint Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. This act, despite his personal reservations, ultimately paved the way for the Nazi Party's rise to absolute power and the end of the Weimar Republic.
Hindenburg's legacy is irrevocably tied to the downfall of German democracy and the ascent of Nazism, making him a profoundly controversial figure in German history.