1914, GERMANY : The General PAUL von Beneckendorff und Von HINDENBURG (1837 - 1934). Photo by Nicola Perscheid. Was a German military officer, statesman, and politician who served as the second President of Germany during the period 1925-1934. Hindenburg retired again in 1919, but returned to public life in 1925 to be elected the second President of Germany. Although 84 years old and in poor health, Hindenburg was persuaded to run for re-election as German President in 1932, as he was considered the only candidate who could defeat Adolf Hitler.