# Frederick William University Berlin

> former university in Berlin, Germany; predecessor of Humboldt University

**Wikidata**: [Q20266330](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20266330)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frederick-william-university-berlin

## Summary
Frederick William University Berlin was a German university founded in 1828 in Berlin, Prussia, and served as the predecessor to Humboldt University. It operated under the name Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität and was named after Frederick William III of Prussia, who founded it.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1828 in Berlin, Prussia by Frederick William III of Prussia
- Official name was Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität
- Located at coordinates 52.518056° N, 13.393333° E in Berlin
- Dissolved, abolished, or demolished in 1946
- Preceded by University of Berlin (1809-1828)
- Followed by University of East Berlin (1946-1949)
- Instance of university
- Country: Prussia, German Reich
- Named after Frederick William III of Prussia

## FAQs
### Q: What was Frederick William University Berlin?
A: Frederick William University Berlin was a German university founded in 1828 in Berlin, Prussia, operating under the name Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität. It served as the predecessor to Humboldt University and was named after Frederick William III of Prussia.

### Q: When was Frederick William University Berlin founded and when did it close?
A: Frederick William University Berlin was founded in 1828 and operated until 1946 when it was dissolved, abolished, or demolished. It was succeeded by University of East Berlin in 1946.

### Q: Where was Frederick William University Berlin located?
A: Frederick William University Berlin was located in Berlin, Prussia (later German Reich), at coordinates 52.518056° N, 13.393333° E.

## Why It Matters
Frederick William University Berlin represents a significant chapter in the history of higher education in Germany, serving as a bridge between the early 19th century University of Berlin and the modern Humboldt University. As an institution founded by Frederick William III of Prussia, it embodied the Prussian commitment to academic excellence and research that would later influence educational models worldwide. The university's 118-year existence witnessed dramatic political and social changes in Germany, from the Kingdom of Prussia through the German Empire and into the Weimar Republic. Its dissolution in 1946 marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Berlin's academic landscape with the establishment of University of East Berlin. The legacy of Frederick William University Berlin continues through its successor institutions and its contribution to German intellectual and scientific development.

## Notable For
- Served as the direct predecessor to Humboldt University, one of Europe's most prestigious institutions
- Operated for 118 years (1828-1946), witnessing major historical transformations in Germany
- Founded by Frederick William III of Prussia, reflecting the state's commitment to higher education
- Located in central Berlin at coordinates 52.518056° N, 13.393333° E
- Had numerous notable alumni and faculty including John von Neumann, who was affiliated with the institution

## Body
### Historical Context and Foundation
Frederick William University Berlin was established in 1828 during the reign of Frederick William III of Prussia, who personally founded the institution. The university was created as a successor to the earlier University of Berlin (1809-1828), continuing the tradition of academic excellence in the Prussian capital.

### Academic Structure and Operations
The university operated under the official name Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität and was classified as a university (instance of university). It was part of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Reich, reflecting the changing political landscape of Germany during its existence. The institution maintained its location in Berlin throughout its operational period.

### Leadership and Administration
The university had a series of rectors throughout its history, including Clemens August Carl Klenze (1828-1829), August Böckh (1830-1831, 1837-1838), Philip Marheineke (1831-1832), Christian Samuel Weiss (1832-1833), Friedrich Strauß (1833-1834), Henrik Steffens (1834-1835), Dietrich Wilhelm Heinrich Busch (1835-1836), August Wilhelm Heffter (1836-1837), Johannes Peter Müller (1838-1839), and many others who served in subsequent years.

### Legacy and Succession
Frederick William University Berlin operated for nearly 120 years before being dissolved in 1946. It was immediately succeeded by University of East Berlin, which began operations on January 29, 1946. This transition marked a significant shift in Berlin's academic landscape following World War II. The university's legacy continues through its successor institutions and its contribution to German intellectual and scientific development.

### Notable Connections
The university had notable affiliations with prominent scholars, including John von Neumann, the Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist who was born in 1903 and died in 1957. Von Neumann's association with the institution highlights its role in attracting and developing leading scientific minds of the 20th century.

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## References

1. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
2. CiNii Research
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.sammlungen.hu-berlin.de/dokumente/16702/)
5. The Half-Forgotten Standard Book of Three Men (On the 95th anniversary of the publication of the “Foundations of Human Hereditary Teaching and Racial Hygiene”)
6. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands