German Field Marshal Paul Hindenburg first fought at the Battle of Königgrätz in 1866 and in the Franco-Prussian War, ultimately rising to the rank of General. In 1911 he retired from the German Army, but was recalled to active duty at the beginning of World War I. He led the German army to decisive victories on the Eastern Front. On the Western Front, however, German forces under his command were forced to retreat. Hindenburg was President of the Weimar Republic of Germany from 1925 to 1934. Bibliography: Berman, Russell A. Paul Von Hindenburg (World Leaders Past and Present). 1987. Chelsea House Pub.