in America, Ranke has been known for his methodology: critical examination of sources in order to establish the facts. Ranke's We es eigentlich gewesen was the motto of "scientific" history renouncing all generalizations and philosophy for detailed description. In Germany, Ranke was considered anti-aprioristic, opposed to any schematization of history, but not anti-philosophical. Ranke, influenced by German idealism, sought to transcend mere factual reconstruction by proceeding from con templating particulars to understanding general truths and introspective apprehension of - living reality. Despite the work of refugee scholars, Americans are only slowly discovering Ranke's philosophical assumptions.