In Our Time: Paul von Hindenburg
BBC Radio 4 – Released June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of In Our Time, host Melvyn Bragg delves into the life and legacy of Paul von Hindenburg, a pivotal figure in German history whose actions significantly influenced the trajectory of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Adolf Hitler. Joined by experts Anna von der Goltz, Colin Storer, and Chris Clark, the discussion unpacks Hindenburg's military prowess, his transformation into a national icon, and his controversial role in appointing Hitler as Chancellor.

1. Early Life and Military Career

Colin Storer begins by tracing Hindenburg's origins to Posen (now Poznań, Poland), highlighting the area's mixed German and Polish populations and the nationalist tensions that shaped his upbringing.

“It's an environment of an emergent German nation state... he grew up intertwined with the emergence of the new German state.”
— Colin Storer [03:15]

Hindenburg hailed from an aristocratic family, the Bennikendorf und von Hindenburg, and displayed an early commitment to a military career, joining cadet schools in Poznań and Berlin by age eleven.

2. The Myth of Tannenberg

Anna von der Goltz explains the significance of the Battle of Tannenberg during World War I, where German forces achieved a decisive victory against Russia. Although Hindenburg's direct involvement was minimal, the battle's renaming played a crucial role in mythologizing his leadership.

“He took credit for naming the battle Tannenberg, which had mythical proportions.”
— Anna von der Goltz [10:38]

This victory contrasted sharply with the stalemate on the Western Front and solidified Hindenburg's reputation as a steadfast military leader.

3. Ascendancy in German Public Opinion

Colin Storer discusses how Hindenburg capitalized on his public image through savvy media interactions, maintaining a composed demeanor that endeared him to the populace.

“He exploited his popularity in the most extraordinary way... his image is seen everywhere.”
— Colin Storer [13:39]

Hindenburg's physical presence—tall stature, commanding appearance—coupled with his media-friendly approach, made him a ubiquitous symbol of German strength and stability.

4. Role During WWI and the 1918 Defeat

Chris Clark notes that despite the ultimate defeat in 1918, Hindenburg's personal myth remained largely untarnished among the German public.

“Hindenburg has the myth which is much bigger than the man.”
— Colin Storer [19:54]

Hindenburg propagated the "stab in the back" myth, blaming internal forces like socialists and pacifists for Germany's loss, thereby preserving his image of unflappable leadership.

5. Presidency in the Weimar Republic

Elected in 1925, Hindenburg became a symbol of republican stability. Anna von der Goltz highlights his initial support for policies like the Treaty of Locarno and his endorsement of Foreign Minister Stresemann’s conciliatory foreign approach.

“He becomes an icon almost of republican stability...”
— Anna von der Goltz [24:47]

However, Colin Storer points out his vague political vision, which ultimately allowed him to be manipulated by right-wing factions seeking to undermine the Republic.

6. Appointment of Hitler

One of the most critical moments in Hindenburg's career was his decision to appoint Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933. Colin Storer explains this in the context of the Great Depression and the inability of traditional conservatives to form a stable government.

“By 1932... the Nazis were a formidable force, and Hindenburg was persuaded to appoint Hitler as Chancellor as part of a flawed plan to control the Nazis.”
— Colin Storer [30:01]

This move, intended to stabilize the government, instead facilitated the Nazis' rise to power, highlighting Hindenburg's misjudgment and the manipulation by right-wing advisors like Franz von Papen.

7. Legacy and Judgment by Posterity

Chris Clark characterizes Hindenburg's legacy as both unlikely and disastrous, emphasizing his role in enabling Nazi ascendancy despite a lack of personal charisma.

“Hindenburg was absolutely crucial to the success of Hitler... a tired old man who is at best ambivalent towards democracy.”
— Chris Clark [36:26]

Anna von der Goltz notes that post-1945 assessments focus on his association with Hitler, yet some segments of the population continued to venerate him, reflecting the complex nature of his legacy.

“There is still some veneration amongst members of the German army... but it personalizes responsibility for the failure of Weimar democracy.”
— Anna von der Goltz [40:53]

8. Additional Insights from Bonus Material

In the extended portion, the guests provide further analysis on Hindenburg's personal life and its impact on his political decisions. Colin Storer shares anecdotes about Hindenburg's vanity, including his elaborate burial wishes:

“They rolled his coffin across a special rail to Tannenberg... another example of this man's enormous vanity.”
— Colin Storer [42:54]

Chris Clark elaborates on Hindenburg's family influence, particularly his son Oscar's role in persuading him to appoint Hitler, underscoring the familial pressures that impacted national decisions.

“Oscar von Hindenburg is part of this group trying to steer politics congenially... persuade Hindenburg to appoint Hitler.”
— Chris Clark [44:07]

Anna von der Goltz highlights the ongoing control of Hindenburg's archives by his descendants, suggesting that future revelations might further complicate his historical image.

“His family guarded his personal papers, preventing full historical scrutiny.”
— Anna von der Goltz [45:48]

Conclusion

Paul von Hindenburg remains a controversial figure whose leadership and decisions had profound implications for Germany and the broader course of history. While initially celebrated as a military hero and a symbol of national unity, his later years as President of the Weimar Republic were marred by political miscalculations that paved the way for Nazi Germany. The episode underscores the complexities of his character and the enduring impact of his legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “It's an environment of an emergent German nation state... he grew up intertwined with the emergence of the new German state.”
  — Colin Storer [03:15]

• “He took credit for naming the battle Tannenberg, which had mythical proportions.”
  — Anna von der Goltz [10:38]

• “He exploited his popularity in the most extraordinary way... his image is seen everywhere.”
  — Colin Storer [13:39]

• “Hindenburg has the myth which is much bigger than the man.”
  — Colin Storer [19:54]

• “He becomes an icon almost of republican stability...”
  — Anna von der Goltz [24:47]

• “By 1932... the Nazis were a formidable force, and Hindenburg was persuaded to appoint Hitler as Chancellor as part of a flawed plan to control the Nazis.”
  — Colin Storer [30:01]

• “Hindenburg was absolutely crucial to the success of Hitler... a tired old man who is at best ambivalent towards democracy.”
  — Chris Clark [36:26]

• “There is still some veneration amongst members of the German army... but it personalizes responsibility for the failure of Weimar democracy.”
  — Anna von der Goltz [40:53]

• “They rolled his coffin across a special rail to Tannenberg... another example of this man's enormous vanity.”
  — Colin Storer [42:54]

• “Oscar von Hindenburg is part of this group trying to steer politics congenially... persuade Hindenburg to appoint Hitler.”
  — Chris Clark [44:07]

• “His family guarded his personal papers, preventing full historical scrutiny.”
  — Anna von der Goltz [45:48]

This comprehensive examination of Paul von Hindenburg offers listeners an in-depth understanding of a man whose actions were instrumental in the pivotal moments of 20th-century German history.