Leopold von Ranke Quotes
Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) was a German historian and a key figure in the development of modern historical methods. He is best known for his pioneering work in archival research and his emphasis on primary sources. He wrote numerous influential works, including History of the Latin and Teutonic N…Read More
Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) was a German historian and a key figure in the development of modern historical methods. He is best known for his pioneering work in archival research and his emphasis on primary sources. He wrote numerous influential works, including History of the Latin and Teutonic Nations (1824-1827), History of the Popes (1834-1836), and History of the Reformation (1839-1847). He is also credited with popularizing the phrase “wie es eigentlich gewesen” (“how it actually was”), which became a motto for modern historical writing.Read Less
Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) was a German historian and a key figure in the development of modern historical methods. He is best known for his pioneering work in archival research and his emphasis on primary sources. He wrote numerous influential works, including History of the Latin and Teutonic Nations (1824-1827), History of the Popes (1834-1836), and History of the Reformation (1839-1847). He is also credited with popularizing the phrase “wie es eigentlich gewesen” (“how it actually was”), which became a motto for modern historical writing.
Leopold von Ranke Career Highlights
Leopold von Ranke was a German historian and one of the most influential figures in the development of modern historical writing. He is often referred to as the “father of modern history” and his methods and approach to historical research are still widely used today.Born in 1795 in Wiehe, Germany, Ranke studied theology and philology at the University of Leipzig before becoming a professor of history at the University of Berlin in 1825. He spent most of his career at the University of Berlin, where he taught and mentored many prominent historians.
Key Contributions by Leopold von Ranke
Ranke’s most significant contribution to the field of history was his emphasis on using primary sources and archival research. He believed that history should be based on factual evidence rather than speculation or interpretation. This approach, known as “historicism,” revolutionized the study of history and set the standard for modern historical writing.Ranke also pioneered the use of source criticism, which involved analyzing and evaluating historical sources for their reliability and accuracy. This method helped to weed out biased or unreliable sources and ensured that historical narratives were based on solid evidence.
What Sets Leopold von Ranke Apart
What sets Leopold von Ranke apart from other historians of his time is his commitment to objectivity and accuracy in historical writing. He believed that the role of the historian was to simply present the facts and let the reader draw their own conclusions. This approach was in stark contrast to the prevalent romantic and nationalist interpretations of history at the time.Ranke’s influence extended beyond the field of history and had a significant impact on other disciplines such as political science and sociology. His emphasis on using primary sources and source criticism also paved the way for modern research methods in these fields.
Takeaways
Leopold von Ranke’s contributions to the field of history have had a lasting impact and continue to shape the way we study and understand the past. His emphasis on objectivity and reliance on primary sources set the standard for modern historical writing and his methods are still widely used by historians today. Ranke’s legacy as the “father of modern history” remains a testament to his enduring influence on the discipline.
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