With the “Anschluss” of Austria to the German Reich on March 12, 1938, the University of Vienna was quickly transformed into a National Socialist institution. In the first days after the “Anschluss” National Socialists took over the most important scientific positions. Within a few months more than 2,700 mainly Jewish members of the University of Vienna were expelled, under active participation by the students, officials and professors. In In the following years, many political opponents became victims of the Nazi regime's persecution. The number of students continued to decline as a result of conscription for military service. Teaching and research were reoriented towards “völkisch” (“ethnic”) aspects and exploited for the “Endsieg” (“ultimate victory”). Many political opponents became victims of the Nazi regime's persecution.
