Sigmund Freud's Milestones

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist who founded psychoanalysis, wrote The Interpretation of Dreams, and profoundly influenced psychology with his theories on the unconscious mind.
1856

Birth

Sigmund Freud was born in Freiberg, Moravia (now Příbor, Czech Republic), to Jakob and Amalia Freud.

Family May 6, 1856
1860

Moved to Vienna

Freud's family moved to Vienna, Austria, where he would spend most of his life.

Location January 1, 1860
1865

Entered Leopoldstädter Kommunal-Realgymnasium

Began attending a prominent high school in Vienna.

Education January 1, 1865
1873

Graduated with honors

Graduated from Leopoldstädter Kommunal-Realgymnasium with honors.

Education January 1, 1873

Attended University of Vienna

Studied medicine at the University of Vienna, earning a medical degree.

Education October 1, 1873 - March 1, 1881
1876

Research on eel reproduction

Conducted research on the reproductive organs of eels at Trieste.

Achievement January 1, 1876
1879

Military service

Completed compulsory military service in Austria.

Other January 1, 1879 - January 1, 1880
1882

Worked at Vienna General Hospital

Began medical career at Vienna General Hospital.

Career January 1, 1882
1884

Published influential paper on cocaine

Published influential paper on the palliative effects of cocaine.

Achievement January 1, 1884
1885

Appointed lecturer at University of Vienna

Appointed university lecturer (docent) in neuropathology at the University of Vienna.

Career January 1, 1885

Studied with Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris

Studied under neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, influencing his interest in hysteria and hypnosis.

Education October 1, 1885 - February 1, 1886
1886

Private practice

Opened a private practice specializing in nervous and brain disorders.

Career April 1, 1886

Married Martha Bernays

Married Martha Bernays, with whom he had six children.

Relationship September 14, 1886
1890

Developed psychoanalysis

Developed the theory and practice of psychoanalysis, revolutionizing psychology.

Achievement January 1, 1890 - January 1, 1905
1891

First book 'On Aphasia'

Published first book, 'On Aphasia: A Critical Study.'

Achievement January 1, 1891
1895

Published 'Studies on Hysteria'

Published 'Studies on Hysteria' with Josef Breuer, foundational for psychoanalysis.

Achievement January 1, 1895
1896

Sister-in-law Minna Bernays joins household

Minna Bernays, Martha's sister, became a permanent member of Freud's household.

Family January 1, 1896

Coined term 'psychoanalysis'

Began using the term 'psychoanalysis' for his new clinical method.

Achievement January 1, 1896
1897

Joined B'nai B'rith

Initiated into the Jewish cultural association B'nai B'rith, remaining linked for life.

Other December 8, 1897
1899

Published 'The Interpretation of Dreams'

Published 'The Interpretation of Dreams,' introducing the concept of the unconscious mind.

Achievement November 4, 1899
1902

Appointed professor extraordinarius

Granted title of professor extraordinarius at University of Vienna.

Career January 1, 1902

Founded Wednesday Psychological Society

Founded the Wednesday Psychological Society, precursor to the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society.

Achievement January 1, 1902
1904

Published 'The Psychopathology of Everyday Life'

Published 'The Psychopathology of Everyday Life.'

Achievement January 1, 1904
1905

Published 'Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality'

Published 'Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality.'

Achievement January 1, 1905
1913

Published 'Totem and Taboo'

Published 'Totem and Taboo.'

Achievement January 1, 1913
1915

Published 'Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis'

Published 'Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis.'

Achievement January 1, 1915
1920

Published 'Beyond the Pleasure Principle'

Published 'Beyond the Pleasure Principle.'

Achievement January 1, 1920
1923

Published 'The Ego and the Id'

Published 'The Ego and the Id.'

Achievement January 1, 1923

Diagnosed with jaw cancer

Diagnosed with cancer of the jaw, leading to multiple surgeries.

Other January 1, 1923
1930

Published 'Civilization and Its Discontents'

Published 'Civilization and Its Discontents.'

Achievement January 1, 1930
1936

Elected Foreign Member of Royal Society

Elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society in London.

Achievement January 1, 1936
1938

Fled Nazi-occupied Austria

Fled Austria for London to escape Nazi persecution.

Other June 4, 1938
1939

Published 'Moses and Monotheism'

Published 'Moses and Monotheism,' his last major work.

Achievement January 1, 1939

Death

Sigmund Freud died in London at age 83.

Other September 23, 1939

Funeral at Golders Green Crematorium

Freud was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium; ashes placed in a Greek urn later joined by his wife Martha.

Other September 26, 1939