Answer
Leopold von Ranke
Explanation
The German historian Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886 AD) is known as 'The Father of Modern History'. According to him, the task of a historian is to describe the past exactly as it actually was (in German: 'wie es eigentlich gewesen'). He introduced scientific methodology to historical studies.
Key Points
- > Leopold von Ranke was a prominent German historian.
- > His lifespan extended from 1795 to 1886 AD.
- > He wanted to establish history as an objective science beyond emotion or philosophy.
- > He placed the highest emphasis on the analysis of primary sources.
- > His famous phrase in German is 'wie es eigentlich gewesen' (what it actually was).
- > He is credited with bringing professionalism to the study of history.
- > His methodology is known as the 'Rankean paradigm'.
Additional Information
Foundations of Modern Historiography
| Historian Name | Country | Key Contribution | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leopold von Ranke | Germany | Objective Historiography (Modern History) | 1795-1886 |
| Karl Marx | Germany | Materialistic Interpretation of History | 1818-1883 |
| E. H. Carr | Britain | Theory of interaction between historian & facts | 1892-1982 |
| Hegel | Germany | Historical Dialectics | 1770-1831 |
Memory Tips
- Modern = Ranke. In modern times, everyone is worried about their Rank.