Correct option is B
Leopold von Ranke is considered the father of modern source-based history. He acknowledged Thucydides, Luther, Fichte, and Niebuhr as his masters. He was critical of the rhetorical and speculative approach of Renaissance historians and emphasized history as a science based on primary sources, not as art or romanticized narrative. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect because Ranke rejected the Romantic notion of history as art and instead insisted on empirical, objective research. His focus was on the nation state and presenting history “as it actually happened” (wie es eigentlich gewesen).
Information Booster:
Ranke revolutionized historiography by emphasizing rigorous use of primary sources and archival research. He sought to establish history as an academic discipline based on evidence rather than speculation or literary style. His approach shaped modern historical methodology, stressing objectivity and critical analysis. His work contributed to the emergence of history as a professional academic field focused on nation-states and political history.