Leopold von Ranke, German historian, author, and academic (d. 1886)
Leopold von Ranke (German: [fɔn ˈʁaŋkə]; 21 December 1795 – 23 May 1886) was a German historian and a founder of modern source-based history. According to Caroline Hoefferle, "Ranke was probably the most important historian to shape [the] historical profession as it emerged in Europe and the United States in the late 19th century". He was able to implement the seminar teaching method in his classroom and focused on archival research and the analysis of historical documents. Building on the methods of the Göttingen School of History, he was the first to establish a historical seminar. Ranke set the standards for much of later historical writing, introducing such ideas as reliance on primary sources (empiricism), an emphasis on narrative history and especially international politics (Außenpolitik). Ranke also had a great influence on Western historiography. He was ennobled in 1865, with the addition of a "von" to his name.

1795Dec, 21
Leopold von Ranke
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Events on 1795
- 19Jan
Republic of the Seven United Netherlands
The Batavian Republic is proclaimed in the Netherlands, bringing to an end the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. - 28Mar
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
Partitions of Poland: The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, a northern fief of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, ceases to exist and becomes part of Imperial Russia. - 31May
Revolutionary Tribunal
French Revolution: The Revolutionary Tribunal is suppressed. - 17Jun
Dutch East India Company
The burghers of Swellendam expel the Dutch East India Company magistrate and declare a republic. - 25Nov
Stanisław August Poniatowski
Partitions of Poland: Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last king of independent Poland, is forced to abdicate and is exiled to Russia.