École des Annales

The École des Annales was a influential French school of historical thought founded in the early 20th century. It emphasized understanding history through long-term social structures, cultural patterns, and economic systems rather than just dates and political events. The approach sought to uncover deeper, often less visible forces shaping societies over centuries, integrating disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and geography. By doing so, it aimed for a more comprehensive and nuanced view of history, moving beyond traditional political narratives to explore everyday life, mentalities, and social continuities.