Explain Annales School.

The Annales School, founded by French historians Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre in the early 20th century, revolutionized the field of historiography by advocating for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to studying history. The Annales School sought to move beyond traditional political and diplomatic history, focusing instead on long-term historical trends, social structures, and the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Key features of the Annales School include:

1. Longue Durée Analysis: The Annales historians emphasized the importance of long-term historical analysis, spanning centuries or even millennia, to identify underlying patterns and transformations in society. They argued that historical phenomena should be studied within broader structural contexts, rather than isolated events.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach: The Annales School promoted an interdisciplinary approach to history, drawing insights from economics, sociology, geography, anthropology, and demography. This interdisciplinary perspective enriched historical analysis by considering factors beyond politics and warfare.

3. Focus on Social and Economic History: The Annales historians pioneered the study of social and economic history, exploring topics such as demographics, agriculture, urbanization, and material culture. They highlighted the impact of economic forces and social structures on historical development.

4. Critique of Traditional History: The Annales School challenged traditional narratives of history that focused primarily on political elites and military conflicts. Instead, they emphasized the importance of studying "history from below" by examining the experiences of marginalized groups, peasants, and everyday life.

5. Concept of Mentalités: The Annales historians introduced the concept of mentalités, or collective mental frameworks and cultural attitudes, to understand historical consciousness and cultural change over time. They explored how mentalities shaped social behavior and historical transformations.

6. Influence on Historical Methodology: The Annales School had a profound impact on historical methodology, promoting quantitative analysis, archival research, and the use of innovative sources such as census data, maps, and statistical records. They encouraged historians to adopt a critical and reflective approach to interpreting historical evidence.

7. Global Impact: The Annales School's influence extended beyond France, shaping historical scholarship worldwide and inspiring new approaches to studying regional and global histories. Scholars associated with the Annales School continue to explore diverse themes and methodologies within the broader framework of social and cultural history.

In summary, the Annales School revolutionized historical scholarship by broadening the scope of inquiry and introducing innovative methodologies that emphasize long-term trends, social structures, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Its legacy continues to inform contemporary historical research and remains influential in shaping modern understandings of the past.