Paul von Hindenburg

Paul von Hindenburg (1847-1934) German Field Marshal in WWI, with great popularity although moderate military skills, more a figurehead with the operational control under Erich Ludendorff, and Wilhelm Groener managing logistics. Nevertheless, he became Commander-in-Chief. Groener, acting for him, told Wilhelm II he had to abdicate. He later became President of Germany (1925-1934), and Adolf Hitler was only able to gain control after his death.

In his earlier military career, he served in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) retiring in 1911. As a commander, he was best known for the victory over Russia at the Battle of Tannenberg, which actually was controlled by Ludendorff.