Leopold von Ranke was a 19th-century German historian, considered to be one of the founders of modern source-based historical scholarship. He is known for his emphasis on primary sources, critical analysis, and the use of original documents in historical research. He is also known as the "Father of Modern History".
Ranke was a professor of history at the University of Berlin and is considered to be one of the most influential historians of his time. He wrote several influential books, including "The History of the Latin and Teutonic Nations" (1824–1834) and "The History of the Popes" (1834–1836).
One of his most famous works is "The Principle of Historical Objectivity" which was published in 1868, in which he argued that the role of the historian was to present a neutral, objective account of the past, free from personal bias and preconceptions. He called for the use of primary sources and the critical evaluation of evidence, in order to arrive at a true and accurate understanding of the past.
Ranke's work laid the foundation for the development of the historical profession and the development of professional standards for historical research and writing. His ideas and methods continue to influence historical scholarship today, and his emphasis on objectivity and primary source research is considered to be a cornerstone of modern historical method.