Which school of thought first provided a philosophical and scientific foundation to the subject of geography?

Correct option is B

The German School of Geography was the first to provide a philosophical and scientific foundation to geography. It played a significant role in shaping modern geographical thought by emphasizing systematic study, regional geography, and environmental determinism.

• The German contribution to geography began with Immanuel Kant, who classified geography as a spatial science.
• Alexander von Humboldt (Father of Modern Geography) emphasized empirical research, fieldwork, and the interconnection of physical and human geography.
• Carl Ritter contributed to regional geography and the concept of geography as a science of places and relationships.
• Friedrich Ratzel introduced Anthropogeography and Environmental Determinism, which influenced human geography.

Thus, the correct answer is:
German School of Geography

•  (French School) →  Incorrect. The French School developed later and focused more on human and regional geography (e.g., Paul Vidal de la Blache – Possibilism).
•  (British School) →  Incorrect. The British School contributed to cartography and exploration, but not the philosophical foundation of geography.
•  (American School) →  Incorrect. The American School contributed to quantitative geography, GIS, and spatial analysis in the 20th century.