1921: Neuland Organisation (Bund Neuland)

The Bund Neuland was established in 1921 by former members of the Austrian Catholic student movement. In order to continue with these adolescent experiences during or following their studies, the educated middle class participants adopted numerous elements of the Free Youth Movement, such as camping trips, hikes or evening social meetings (Heimabende) in the newly emerging Bund Neuland.

Although Neuland continued to exist during the equally Catholic-influenced Dollfuss-Schuschnigg government, the organisation was dissolved in 1938 when the Nazis came to power. Beginning in 1946, with the convening of Singwochen (weeklong seminars for the development of folk music), efforts were made to rebuild Bund Neuland; the official re-establishment took place in 1948.

The goal of the so-called Neuländer and Neuländerinnen was to establish a Christian design for all aspects of life and society. As a result, numerous members of the organisation got involved in politics and education prior to and following the Second World War.