Founding of Freie Universität Berlin in 1948

Historical background

The founding of Freie Universität Berlin in 1948 was a direct reaction to the events of the Second World War and the political conditions during the post-war period in Germany.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, one of the oldest universities in Germany, was under the control of the Soviet occupation zone at the time. There was a highly politicised atmosphere at the university, where communist ideologies prevailed and political opponents were suppressed.

A group of professors, students and intellectuals who opposed this political influence and restriction of academic freedom decided to found a new university. This university was to be free from political interference and dedicated to democratic principles and academic freedom.

The founding of Freie Universität Berlin was significantly supported by the Allies, especially the USA. The Americans saw the Free University as an opportunity to establish a democratic educational institution in West Berlin and thus create a counterweight to the communist influence in the east of the city.

Freie Universität Berlin was officially founded on 4 December 1948 and began with a small but committed teaching staff and a handful of students. Over the years, the university grew and established itself as one of the leading educational institutions in Germany and worldwide.

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