When the World War II began on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland, the University of Vienna was not entirely unprepared. Already months, partly years before, the university had begun to prepare for a war on several levels. The initial war euphoria of many students and teachers, however, gave way increasing disillusionment at the latest after the devastating defeat at Stalingrad in early 1943. Especially the time towards the end of World War II was characterized by convocation of male students as well as personnel and other war-related restrictions as well as several bomb attacks.
