by Veronika Schallhart and Thiemo Kronlechner [University of Vienna]
In this article, we are providing specific examples, how we presented the topic of National Socialism and Holocaust at the University of Vienna in our Actionbound tour for children between 9 and 12 years old. They went on their historical discovery tour equipped with an iPad and a printed map.
Rectors’ Plaques
The gilding was removed from the two engraved names. This reminds us of the mistakes made by the University during World War II (1938-1945). Today, the University of Vienna is against hate and exclusion and regrets its past injustices. Back then, during the National Socialism, almost 3,000 people were expelled from their study programmes and from their workplace because of their religion or opinions. These people had to hide or flee to other countries to survive.
Why is it important not to hate or exclude people because of their origin, religion or opinions?
A: Because disagreements would finish faster.
B: Because the rules would be easier.
C: Because exclusion and hate could start a war.
D: Because only equal people can live well together.
Marie Jahoda
Marie Jahoda is well known because she was researching unemployment, a topic that had never been studied before. As she was Jewish and politically against those people in power, she was persecuted in Austria. She fled to England. There she continued her career. During World War II, the National Socialist era, many women and men had to flee because of their Jewish origin.
As they were persecuted in their homeland, they had to live abroad and could not come back to Austria. This means that they lived where?
A: Underground
B: Asylum
C: Exile
D: Dormitory
The right answer is C: They lived in exile. However, living in the underground means to hide in your own country because you are persecuted. Asylum means the situation in which people are granted protection in another country because they are being persecuted or are in danger in their own country.
Remembrance Corners
In the Aula, there are two REMEMBRANCE CORNERS with red inscriptions. One corner reads: “Gegen Krieg und Gewalt. Im Gedenken an die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus.” (Against war and violence. In memory of the victims of National Socialism.)
Take a photo of the inscription. Why is this statement displayed here?
A: So that visitors can take photos.
B: So that the University commemorates people who were treated unjustly.
C: So that the University look more modern.
D: So that nobody can put advertising there.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud was Jewish and he was forced to leave Austria. He was already an elderly and ill man when he fled to England. During World War II, under National Socialism, people of the Jewish faith or with other political views were persecuted.
Sigmund Freud is world-famous because he invented…
A: An equation to calculate the distance between the stars.
B: A formula to calculate invisible energy.
C: A method to better understand people’s thoughts, feelings and dreams.
D: A theory to explain animal behaviour.
The right answer is C: Sigmund Freud studied people’s minds, thoughts, feelings and memories, and analysed them. He is known as the founder of psychoanalysis.
Elise Richter
Elise Richter was the first woman who became a professor at the University of Vienna. When World War II broke out in 1938, she lost her job because she was Jewish. In 1942, she was imprisoned in a camp, where she died a few months later.
Jewish people, who could not flee abroad during World War II had to live with many restrictions. Children were no longer allowed to go to school, students were no longer allowed to study at university, and adults were no longer allowed to work. They were also prohibited from using buses and trams. Many were sent to these camps where they were forced to work hard and suffered from hunger and the cold.
Jewish people were forced to wear a special symbol on their clothes so that they could be identified immediately on the streets. Which symbol was that?
Note: You cannot find this symbol in the photo of Elise Richter.
A: A yellow Star of David
B: A black triangle
C: A red poppy
D: A white circle
Conclusion
At the University of Vienna, studies and research are and have been undertaken. Countless inventions and academic findings have been made possible by the work of academics. The achievements of the University are very important for the development of our society. However, as you have found out today, some people were treated in an unjust way at the University of Vienna.
How can we all live together in peace and without hate? Tip: Several answers are correct.
A: We can stand up for people who are treated unfairly.
B: Conflicts arise when only the loudest people decide.
C: You can speak up when someone is treated in an unjust way or when someone is excluded.
D: It is enough to be friendly to your friends. We do not have to care about anyone else.
E: We can try to avoid prejudice.
If you are interested in taking the full tour of the Main Building (only available in German), you can download the Actionbound app…
Actionbound‑App – App Store
Actionbound – Apps on Google Play
…and scan the following QR code:
If you are interested in how the Actionbound tour was prepared and planned, please see the article “Vienna Children’s University 2026: What the old University of Vienna has to tell you… (Part 1)”