02/08/1934 German President Paul von Hindenburg dies
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Death of Hindenburg
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Hindenburg Passes - 1934 | Today in History | 2 Aug 16
Paul von Hindenburg was a Generalfeldmarschall in the German army, a statesman and the second president of Germany. At 84, he was persuaded to run for re-election as Germany’s president despite his age and poor health because he was seen as the only candidate who could defeat Hitler. Nearly two years after his re-election, he died of lung cancer and Hitler was able to declare himself Supreme Leader and Chancellor of Germany.