Georg Waitz

Waitz is often spoken of as the leading disciple of Leopold von Ranke, though perhaps he had more affinity with Georg Heinrich Pertz or Friedrich Christoph Dahlmann.

The influence of Ranke early diverted him from his original purpose of studying law, and while still a student he began researches in German medieval history, his life's work.

[1] On graduating at Berlin in August 1836, Waitz went to Hanover to assist Pertz in publishing the Monumenta Germaniae historica; and it led to the chair of history at Kiel in 1842.

Waitz began to take an interest in politics, and in 1846 entered the provincial diet as representative of his university.

He was supported German unification; and when King Frederick William IV of Prussia declined the imperial crown Waitz withdrew from the assembly in disappointment, and left public life.