On This Day

Amsterdam Free University opens

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880.

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880. The VU Amsterdam is one of two large, publicly funded research universities in the city, the other being the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The literal translation of the Dutch name Vrije Universiteit is "Free University". "Free" refers to independence of the university from both the State and the Dutch Reformed Church. Both within and outside the university, the institution is commonly referred to as "the VU". Although founded as a private institution, the VU has received government funding on a parity basis with public universities since 1970.

Historical Significance

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880.

Events Before

  1. E. M. Forster is born

    E. M. Forster, English novelist and writer, known for english novelist and writer, was born on 1879-01-01. Edward Morgan Forster (1 January 1879 – 7 June 1970) was an English author.

  2. Dutch King William II marries Emma von Waldeck-Pyrmont

    William III (Dutch: Willem III, French: Guillaume III; 19 February 1817 – 23 November 1890) was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1849 until his death in 1890, and was also...

  3. Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa

    Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa

  4. Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses

    Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses and several other decorations are awarded to the defenders.

  5. Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific

    The War of the Pacific (Spanish: Guerra del Pacífico), also known by multiple other names, was a war between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance from 1879 to 1884.

Events After

  1. Ridden by outstanding English jockey Fred Archer, Iroquois wins the Epsom Derby to become the first American-owned and b

    Ridden by outstanding English jockey Fred Archer, Iroquois wins the Epsom Derby to become the first American-owned and bred horse to win a European classic race

  2. Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull surrenders to US federal troops at Fort Buford in the Territory of Montana [1] [2]

    Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. Sitting Bull was killed by Indian agency police accompanied by U.S.

  3. Cleopatra's Needle, a 3,500-year-old Ancient Egyptian obelisk, is erected in Central Park, New York [1]

    Cleopatra's Needle, a 3,500-year-old Ancient Egyptian obelisk, is erected in Central Park, New York [1]

  4. Union of Baptists Communities forms in Foxholl

    Union of Baptists Communities forms in Foxholl

  5. Battle at Laing's Neck Natal: Boers beat superior powered British

    Battle at Laing's Neck Natal: Boers beat superior powered British

More from the 1880s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 20, 1880?
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880. The VU Amsterdam is one of two large, publicly funded research universities in the city, the other being the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The literal translation of the Dutch name Vrije Universiteit is "Free University".
Why is Amsterdam Free University opens significant?
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880.

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