Question

Explain Leopold von Ranké’s perspective of history?

Answer 1

Introduction: Leopold von Ranké from Berlin University greatly influenced the historiography of the nineteenth century.

1. He mentioned about the critical method of historical research and even emphasised on the importance of information gathered through original documents. 
2. According to him, all types of documents associated with a historical event should be examined with greatest care and believed that the historical truth can be reached only through this method.
3. He criticised the imaginative narration of history. His books ‘The Theory and Practice of History’ and ‘The Secret of World History’ contain collection of his articles.

Conclusion: In this way, Leopold von Ranké emphasised on critical method of historical research.