Paul von Hindenburg

Hindenburg, with Ludendorff as chief of staff, commanded the German Eighth Army to a decisive victory over the Russian Second Army in East Prussia. The battle halted the Russian invasion and made Hindenburg a national hero.

Hindenburg was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the German Army, replacing Erich von Falkenhayn. He and Ludendorff effectively became military dictators of Germany, directing all aspects of the war effort.

Hindenburg was elected as the second President of the Weimar Republic, defeating Wilhelm Marx in a runoff. His presidency marked a shift toward conservative and authoritarian rule, undermining the republic's democratic foundations.

Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany, heading a coalition cabinet. This decision, made under political pressure and intrigue, enabled Hitler to consolidate power and ultimately dismantle the Weimar Republic.

Hindenburg signed the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and allowing the Nazi regime to arrest political opponents. This decree was a key step in establishing the Nazi dictatorship.