Leopold von Ranke

Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) was a German historian who is considered to be one of the founders of modern historical methodology. He is best known for his emphasis on the importance of primary sources and his commitment to objectivity in historical writing.

Early life and education

Ranke was born in Wiehe, Thuringia, Germany, on December 21, 1795. He studied theology and classical philology at the University of Leipzig, where he was influenced by the teachings of Karl August Böttiger and Friedrich August Wilhelm Spohn.

Academic career

After graduating from Leipzig in 1814, Ranke taught at a number of schools and universities, including the University of Berlin, where he was appointed professor of history in 1825. Ranke was a prolific writer and published over 70 works during his lifetime, including books, articles, and essays on a wide range of historical topics.

Principles and notable works

Ranke's historical methodology was based on the following principles:

• The importance of primary sources: Ranke believed that historians should base their work on primary sources, such as government documents, letters, and diaries.
• The need for objectivity: Ranke argued that historians should strive to be objective in their writing and avoid imposing their own biases on the past.

Ranke's notable works include:

• The History of the Popes During the Last Four Centuries (1834-1836)
• A History of Germany in the Age of the Reformation (1845-1847)
• History of England, Principally in the Seventeenth Century (1859-1867)
• Universal History (1883-1887)

Philosophy

Ranke's philosophy of history was based on the belief that the past should be studied for its own sake, rather than for any specific moral or political purpose. He also believed that history is a complex and evolving process, and that it is impossible to reduce it to any single set of laws or principles.

Death and legacy

Ranke died in Berlin on May 23, 1886, at the age of 90. He is remembered as one of the most important and influential historians of the 19th century. His work had a profound impact on the development of modern historical methodology, and he is still widely read and studied by historians today.

How is Ranke remembered?

Ranke is remembered as one of the founders of modern historical methodology. He is best known for his emphasis on the importance of primary sources and his commitment to objectivity in historical writing. Ranke's work had a profound impact on the development of modern historiography, and he is still widely read and studied by historians today.