Leopold von Ranke

Leopold von Ranke was a 19th-century historian who emphasized the importance of primary sources and empirical evidence in studying history. He championed the idea of "wie es eigentlich gewesen" or "how it actually was," advocating for objectivity and a focus on factual accuracy. Ranke believed that historians should strive to understand the past in its own context, moving away from present biases. His approach laid the groundwork for modern historiography, emphasizing the significance of causation and the unique qualities of historical events, while promoting the idea that history is shaped by complex, interconnected factors.