Who are considered to be the founders of the Annales School of historiography? Discuss their works.

The Annales School of historiography was founded by two influential French historians, Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre, in the early 20th century. The Annales School revolutionized historical scholarship by promoting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to studying history that emphasized long-term socio-economic structures, cultural patterns, and the importance of geography and environment. The works of Bloch and Febvre laid the foundation for the Annales School's emphasis on "total history" and the exploration of everyday life.

1. Marc Bloch (1886-1944):
   Marc Bloch was a pioneering figure in the Annales School and is considered one of the most influential historians of the 20th century. His work focused on medieval history and contributed significantly to methodological innovations in historical research.

   Key Works:

   • "Feudal Society" (1939): Bloch's seminal work, "Feudal Society," examined the social, economic, and political structures of medieval Europe. He explored the complexities of feudal relationships, the role of peasants and lords, and the evolution of feudalism as a socio-economic system. Bloch emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating insights from sociology, anthropology, and economics into historical analysis.

   • "The Historian's Craft" (1949): Published posthumously after Bloch's tragic death during World War II, "The Historian's Craft" reflects on the methodology and philosophy of history. Bloch discusses the challenges and responsibilities of historical scholarship, advocating for rigorous empirical research and critical engagement with sources.

2. Lucien Febvre (1878-1956):
   Lucien Febvre co-founded the Annales School along with Marc Bloch and played a pivotal role in shaping its intellectual agenda. He emphasized the importance of studying mentalities, cultures, and everyday life in historical research.

   Key Works:

   • "The Problem of Unbelief in the Sixteenth Century" (1942): Febvre's work explored religious skepticism and secularization in early modern Europe. He examined the intellectual and cultural shifts that contributed to the rise of unbelief during the Reformation era, challenging traditional narratives of religious history.

   • "A Geographical Introduction to History" (1922): In this influential work, Febvre emphasized the significance of geography and environment in shaping historical developments. He argued for an integrated approach that considers the spatial dimensions of human societies and civilizations.

The contributions of Bloch and Febvre to the Annales School extended beyond their individual works. Together, they advocated for a "total history" approach that encompassed multiple dimensions of human experience, from economic structures and material conditions to mentalities, beliefs, and cultural practices. The Annales School rejected narrow political narratives and sought to broaden the scope of historical inquiry to include the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The Annales School, under the leadership of Bloch and Febvre, promoted collaboration among historians from diverse disciplines, including geography, sociology, anthropology, and economics. This interdisciplinary approach transformed historical scholarship, paving the way for new methodologies such as quantitative history, demographic analysis, and the study of long-term historical trends.

Overall, Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre are recognized as visionary founders of the Annales School, whose works and intellectual leadership revolutionized historical research and influenced generations of historians. Their emphasis on comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and empirical approaches continues to shape historical scholarship and remains a cornerstone of modern historiography.