On June 6, 1938, Sigmund Freud arrived in London after escaping Austria in the wake of Nazi Germany’s annexation of the country. The journey marked the end of an era for one of the twentieth century’s most influential thinkers and the beginning of his final chapter in exile. Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, had spent nearly eight decades in Vienna, where he developed groundbreaking theories about the human mind. Forced to abandon his home and much of his life's work, he became one of the many intellectuals and refugees displaced by the expanding reach of Nazi persecution.
The crisis began on March 12, 1938, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria in an event known as the Anschluss. Almost immediately, Austrian Jews faced discrimination, intimidation, and violence. Freud, who was Jewish despite his secular lifestyle, found himself in increasing danger. Nazi authorities raided his home and publishing business, while several members of his family were interrogated. His daughter, Anna Freud, was briefly detained and questioned by the Gestapo, a frightening experience that convinced the family they could no longer remain in Vienna.
Although Freud was internationally famous, securing his departure was not easy. Nazi officials imposed heavy financial demands on Jews seeking to emigrate, and obtaining the necessary permits required extensive negotiations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers around the world worked tirelessly to help him escape. Among them was Princess Marie Bonaparte, a devoted student and supporter of Freud, who used her wealth and influence to assist the family. After weeks of uncertainty, Freud and several family members were finally granted permission to leave Austria.
When Freud arrived in London on June 6, he was welcomed by friends, colleagues, and members of Britain's intellectual community. Though relieved to be safe, he was deeply saddened by the loss of his homeland. Vienna had been the center of his personal and professional life for nearly eighty years. In London, Freud settled into a new home in the Hampstead district, where he continued to receive visitors and work despite declining health. He had been battling jaw cancer for years and endured significant pain during his final months.
Even in exile, Freud remained an influential figure. His theories about the unconscious mind, dreams, repression, and human behavior had already transformed psychology, psychiatry, literature, and popular culture. The move to London ensured that his ideas would continue to spread throughout the English-speaking world. Today, his former London residence serves as the Freud Museum, preserving artifacts, documents, and the famous psychoanalytic couch associated with his work.
Freud's arrival in London stands as both a personal story of survival and a broader reminder of the devastating human consequences of political oppression. His escape highlighted the growing refugee crisis created by Nazi expansion across Europe, a crisis that would intensify in the years leading up to World War II. June 6, 1938, remains a significant date in history—not only because it marked the rescue of one of the world's most influential intellectuals, but also because it symbolizes the resilience of those forced to flee persecution in search of safety and freedom.
se This Figure in the Classroom
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the Nazi government viewed intellectuals and Jewish citizens like Sigmund Freud as threats?
- How might Freud's theories and contributions to psychology have been affected if he had not been able to escape Austria?
- What responsibilities do nations have toward refugees fleeing persecution and political oppression?
Classroom Activity: Mapping Freud's Escape
Have students create a timeline and map tracing Sigmund Freud's journey from Vienna to London in 1938. Students should identify key events surrounding the Anschluss, research the challenges Jewish refugees faced when leaving Nazi-controlled territories, and discuss how international support helped secure Freud's escape.
Extension: Compare Freud's experience with those of other intellectuals, scientists, or artists who fled Europe before World War II.
Debate Prompt
Should countries be required to provide asylum to intellectuals, artists, and scientists fleeing political persecution?
Divide the class into two groups. One side argues that nations have a moral obligation to protect persecuted individuals whose work benefits humanity. The other side argues that governments must prioritize national interests and resources when deciding immigration policies.
Writing Assignment Idea
Imagine you are a newspaper reporter in London on June 6, 1938. Write a front-page article describing Sigmund Freud's arrival in Britain. Include background information about the Nazi annexation of Austria, public reaction to his arrival, and why many people considered his escape significant.
Printable Quote
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing."
— Sigmund Freud
Reflection Question: What do you think Freud meant by this statement, and how might it relate to his decision to continue his work despite persecution and exile?