Abstract: 19th century was regarded as the century of history research, in which the study of history has become a professional academic discipline. And the academic research methods of “scientific history” represented mainly by Leopold von Ranke has gained worldwide respect and acknowledgment. However, little attention has been paid in our country concerning the then German historians’ unavoidable responsibility for historical destiny of modern Germany and their impact on German history of education. This thesis discusses and argues the following aspects ranging from the profound transfer of ideas undergone in Germany in 19th century, the ethnic tradition of history of education in modern Germany to the introspection of German historians since 1945 and the corresponding enlightenment to German history of education and the research on it. Meanwhile, the political context of the research on German history of education was emphasized in this thesis to arouse the attention and discussion among peers within the educational circle.

Key words: German Educational History, National traditions, Political context