Leopold von Ranke (1795–1886) was the foremost historian produced by Germany and is regarded as the father of modern source-based historiography. His contribution to historical methodology brought about what is known as the Berlin Revolution in history writing. Ranke aimed to place history on a scientific foundation by insisting on objectivity and the critical analysis of sources. He urged historians to present the past “as it actually happened” through the strict presentation of facts, avoiding present-day passions.

As a professor at the University of Berlin, Ranke introduced the famous history seminar, providing rigorous training to young historians. He emphasised the study and editing of contemporary documents and archival sources by examining the personality and context of their authors. His monumental works, including History of the Popes and History of the Reformation in Germany, reflect this method. Ranke’s ideas, known as Historicism, treated each historical period as unique and equally close to God. His methods transformed historical writing and established the Berlin School of Historiography.