Question

It may be said that ________ was the founder of modern historiography.
A. Voltaire
B. Rene Descartes
C. Karl Marx
D. Ranke

Answer 1

Hint: Pseudonym of Francois Marie Arouet, born in 1694 in France was one of the greatest French writers. He was a public activist and played a significant role in defining the 18th century movement known as the Enlightenment.

Complete answer: Voltaire also known as Francois Marie Arouet is considered to be the founder or pioneer of modern historiography. He is also considered as the father of modern historiography because of his works on collecting and recording the historical events during the rule of Louis XVI and XV. Along with Charles XII and Peter the Great, he was one of the first people to record historical events in modern history. For him it is important to consider all the aspects of human life and not just the historical truth and chronology.
Now we will see the other three options and what they have founded.
-Rene Descartes is best known as the first modern philosopher. He made great achievements in geometry and algebra which allowed for solving the geometrical problems by way of algebraic equations. He is also credited as the father of analytical geometry.
-Karl Marx is a famous socialist, revolutionary, economist and historian who is famous for founding the communist manifesto which has laid the foundations for the communist league. Along with Friedrich Engels Karl Marx in the 19th century originated Marxism.
-Von Ranke was a German historian and founder of modern source based history. He shaped historical profession in Europe and United States in the late 19th century

Therefore the correct answer is option-A.


Note: Voltaire had played an important role in the era of enlightenment as one of the leading writers. His known works include the historical study 'The Age of Louis XVI'. His writings often remained at odds with French authorities over his politically and religiously charged works.