What did Hindenburg think of Hitler? Paul von Hindenburg, a German military officer and statesman, served as the President of Germany from 1925 to 1934. He appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, in a coalition government. Hindenburg initially viewed Hitler as a way to stabilize the political situation and counter the rising influence of the Communists.

Hindenburg was, however, initially skeptical of Hitler and his radical ideas. He and his advisors believed that they could control Hitler and use him to achieve their own political goals. Hindenburg’s decision to appoint Hitler as Chancellor was, to some extent, a strategic move to co-opt the Nazi Party and gain its support while still maintaining a balance of power in the government.

As time went on, Hitler consolidated his power, and after Hindenburg’s death in 1934, he combined the roles of President and Chancellor, declaring himself Führer und Reichskanzler (Leader and Chancellor). Hitler’s dictatorial rule became increasingly evident, and the Nazis solidified their control over Germany.

In retrospect, it’s important to note that Hindenburg’s decision to appoint Hitler had significant and far-reaching consequences for Germany and the world, contributing to the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent atrocities of World War II.