Founding of the Free University of Berlin

An institution full of tradition, Friedrich-Wilhelm’s University has been located in the Soviet-occupied sector of Berlin since 1945. Since instruction recommenced soon after war’s end, the Communists have succeeded step by step in strengthening their position of power at the university. Lectures and seminars are becoming more and more like ideological indoctrination sessions by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED).

Source: HSA FUB Approximate 2.000 students come together at a protest rally in front of the Hotel Esplanade at Potsdamer Platz in April 1948, not far from the soviet sector

All student protests fade away. Soon the clamour for founding a „free“ university becomes quite loud. After leaders of the Friedrich-Wilhelm’s University expelled several students for „political reasons“, this wish is fulfilled: On 22 September 1948 the „Free University“ is founded in West Berlin. Thousands of students leave Friedrich Wilhelm’s University to continue their studies in the free part of the city.