Marc Bloch | Grandes Nomes da História

Summary

This video explores the life and work of Marc Bloch, one of the greatest historians of the 20th century, known for his foundational contributions to historiography. It highlights his methodological innovations through the Annales School, his studies in rural history, and his works on feudalism and the historical process. The video covers his academic journey, military service in both World Wars, and his intellectual legacy, including his most notable works such as 'The Historian's Craft' and 'Feudal Society.' Bloch's influence continues to shape the field of history, offering a bridge between the past and present while emphasizing the importance of understanding history as a dynamic, multifaceted process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marc Bloch, born in 1886, is considered one of the greatest historians of all time, known for his contributions to historical methodology and political work.
• 😀 Bloch’s historical studies were multidisciplinary, incorporating elements of sociology, economics, and other social sciences, which influenced the Annales School of History.
• 😀 His doctoral thesis, 'Kings and Serfs,' laid the foundations for rural history, a method focusing on the rural and land structures rather than just political elites.
• 😀 Bloch's work on rural history revolutionized the study of medieval France and inspired significant shifts in historical analysis.
• 😀 During World War I, Bloch served in the French army, earning multiple honors, but continued his intellectual pursuits even while facing the trauma of war.
• 😀 In 1929, Bloch co-founded the Annales School, which pushed for a more interdisciplinary approach to history, including sociology, economics, and mentalities.
• 😀 The Annales School introduced significant new fields like the history of ideas, mentalities, and rural history, challenging traditional historical narratives focused on political events.
• 😀 Bloch's focus on symbolic power is evident in his study of kings and their ability to cure ailments by merely touching, highlighting the political importance of symbolism in governance.
• 😀 His book 'Feudal Society' is regarded as one of the most influential works on feudalism, combining long-term methodology, oral history, and a comprehensive study of social structures.
• 😀 Bloch's legacy endures through his methodological innovations and his active role in intellectual and political movements, pushing historians to focus on processes and meanings over memorizing facts.

Q & A

Who was Marc Bloch, and why is he significant in history?

Marc Bloch was a French historian, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in historiography. He is known for his methodological innovations, especially his work in rural history and his contributions to the Annales School, which revolutionized the study of history by incorporating other social sciences like sociology and economics.

What is the Annales School, and how did Marc Bloch contribute to it?

The Annales School was a revolutionary approach to historiography that emphasized long-term social, economic, and cultural structures rather than focusing solely on political history. Marc Bloch, along with Lucien Febvre, co-founded this school and played a key role in its development, influencing various new historical fields such as history of mentalities, cultural history, and rural history.

What is the significance of Marc Bloch's book 'The Historian's Craft'?

'The Historian's Craft' is one of Marc Bloch's most important works, where he argues that history is not just about remembering facts but about understanding processes and meanings. He challenges historians to connect the past with the present, emphasizing that the present also shapes our understanding of the past.

How did Marc Bloch view the role of historians in studying the past?

Marc Bloch believed that historians should not only study great deeds and battles but should focus on the broader processes that shape history. He argued that history is a construction by the historian, who should approach it with an open mind and engage with both the past and the present to understand human life in its entirety.

What was Marc Bloch's approach to rural history?

Marc Bloch pioneered the study of rural history, which focuses on the social and economic structures of rural areas rather than the lives of the nobility. He introduced this methodology with his work on medieval France, and it laid the foundation for understanding historical processes from the ground up, looking at land structures and everyday life.

How did Marc Bloch's military experience influence his historical work?

Marc Bloch's military service during World War I profoundly impacted his work, particularly his views on human conflict and society. His personal experiences in the trenches and his later involvement in the French Resistance during World War II gave him a unique perspective on history as an active participant in both academic and real-world struggles.

What are some of Marc Bloch's most influential books?

Some of Marc Bloch's most influential works include 'The Kings and the Serfs,' which examines the symbolic role of kings in medieval society, 'Feudal Society,' which is a comprehensive study of feudalism, and 'The Historian's Craft,' which outlines his approach to history and the historian's role in studying it.

Why was Marc Bloch executed during World War II?

Marc Bloch was executed by the Gestapo in 1944 for his involvement in the French Resistance. He was captured while trying to flee to America and was executed for his intellectual and nationalist influence. His death was partly due to the fear that his ideas could inspire resistance to the German occupation in France.

How did Marc Bloch influence the study of history in the 20th century?

Marc Bloch's influence on the study of history was profound. He helped shift the focus from a traditional, event-based historical approach to one that incorporated broader social, economic, and cultural contexts. His work laid the foundation for new fields such as history of ideas, rural history, and history of mentalities, making him a pivotal figure in modern historiography.

What is the concept of 'history of mentalities,' and how is it connected to Marc Bloch's work?

The 'history of mentalities' refers to the study of everyday thoughts, beliefs, and cultural norms throughout history, rather than focusing solely on political events or intellectual elites. Marc Bloch, through his involvement with the Annales School, contributed to this approach by encouraging historians to look beyond traditional narratives and explore the collective mindset of societies.