Paul von Hindenburg was a German military officer and statesman, born on October 2, 1847. He gained fame during World War I for his leadership in key battles, particularly the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914. Hindenburg's military success made him a national hero in Germany. After the war, Hindenburg served as the President of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934. His presidency was marked by political instability and the rise of the Nazi Party. Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, a decision that significantly impacted Germany's future.