einrich von Sybel, born just two days after Mommsen on December 2, 1817, grew up in a cultured environment in Düsseldorf. He became a prominent student of historians Ranke and Savigny at the University of Berlin. Later, as a privatdozent at the University of Bonn, he gained recognition for works like History of the First Crusade and The Origin of Kingship in Germany. These works challenged the romanticised views of the Middle Ages.

Sybel’s involvement in politics started when he challenged the authenticity of the Holy Shroud of Turin, which attracted thousands of pilgrims. This marked the beginning of his political engagement, leading him to a professorship in Marburg in 1846 and eventually to the Erfurt parliament in 1850.

Heinrich von Sybel’s most notable contributions include History of the French Revolution. In this work, he applied critical analysis to the records of the revolution, debunking myths, including some attributed to Marie Antoinette. His scholarship, although meticulous, sometimes aligned with his biases, emphasising the role of great individuals like Napoleon in shaping history.

In 1856, Sybel moved to Munich, where he founded a historical seminar and the influential Historische Zeitschrift, a model for many historical journals today. However, the predominantly Catholic environment in Munich led to conflicts, prompting his transfer to Bonn. In Bonn, he continued his political involvement, serving in the Prussian Lower House and opposing Bismarck.

Despite his eye problems, he returned to politics in 1867, opposing universal suffrage. He eventually reconciled with Bismarck and supported the government’s efforts against the Clericals and Socialists.

In 1875, Bismarck appointed Sybel as the director of the Prussian archives, granting him access to crucial state documents. This role enabled Sybel to produce significant work, including The Founding of the German Empire. His history primarily focuses on Prussia’s rise to prominence, portraying Prussia as youthful and vibrant, while characterising Austria as weary and old.

Bismarck emerges as the hero, while the Austrians, French and Danes are depicted as antagonists, especially in the context of conflicts like the wars with Austria, Schleswig-Holstein and Sadowa (Königgrätz).

After Bismarck’s fall in 1890, Heinrich von Sybel lost access to secret documents, making his later volumes (covering the years from 1866 to 1870) less significant. This contrasted with Mommsen’s History of Rome and marked a shift towards more biased historical accounts. However, even Sybel’s biased approach pales in comparison to Heinrich von Treitschke (1834-1896), known for his alarming rhetoric.

Born in Dresden, he hailed from a noble family and initially pursued a career in the bureaucracy and the army. Due to health issues and hearing impairment, he turned to academia, studying at various universities and imbibing Prussian ideals from his mentor Friedrich Christoph Dahlmann.

In 1863, during the Austro-Prussian War outbreak, Treitschke’s fervent support for Prussia led him to relocate to Berlin, where he became a Prussian subject and editor of the Preussische Jahrbücher. His articles there advocated forceful annexations of Hanover and Saxony, a stance that clashed with his father’s close ties to the King of Saxony.

Treitschke’s career thrived, with appointments at Kiel and Heidelberg before becoming a professor in Berlin in 1874. He entered the Reichstag and became a prominent figure in Berlin, later assuming the role of editor of the Historische Zeitschrift after Sybel’s death. In the late 1870s, he became increasingly anti-Semitic, leading to conflicts with Mommsen.

Treitschke’s historical perspective prioritised politics over other fields, even dismissing sciences like electricity and archaeology. His five-volume History of Germany in the Nineteenth Century started in 1879 but remained incomplete at his death in 1896, covering only up to 1847. The work gained popularity in German households and influenced many famous historians and scholars.

Treitschke coined memorable phrases, including, “The Jews are our misfortune.” He also criticised Catholics and emphasised the importance of servants in culture. However, his most significant shift was from liberalism to conservatism in Bismarck’s unified Germany. He believed that everything, from law to economics, was intertwined with politics and argued that war was the noblest human activity. He championed Germany’s right to assert itself and claimed that the king and nobility embodied the purest German virtues.

Treitschke’s influence on shaping a belligerent Germany before World War I was profound. He bridged history and national life, gaining immense influence and often being seen as an official voice of German policy. Lord Acton noted their impact on public opinion.

In 1909, a monument to Treitschke was erected at the University of Berlin, alongside one for Mommsen. However, his standing waned in the 1920s. It surged in the 1930s during the Nazi era. His statue was refurbished during this period but later dismantled and melted down in 1951.

Analysing the history of German nationalist historians offers valuable insights for Pakistani historians, particularly in the endeavour to cultivate a responsible and impartial approach to the study of the past. These insights can be distilled into several key lessons:

Pakistani historians must remain acutely cognizant of their personal biases and the potential influence of these biases on the narratives they construct. They must diligently aspire to objectivity and refrain from employing history as a tool to advance political or nationalistic agendas.

German nationalist historians frequently utilised historical analysis to bolster their political convictions. Pakistani historians should adopt a critical stance when approaching historical sources, subjecting them to rigorous scrutiny, questioning their reliability and avoiding selective use of information to promote specific viewpoints.

It is imperative that Pakistani historians strive for balance and impartiality in presenting historical events. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of historical narratives is crucial. They should endeavour to offer a nuanced account that encompasses diverse perspectives and voices.

The emergence of anti-Semitic and xenophobic sentiments among certain German historians serves as a cautionary tale. Pakistani historians should be vigilant in steering clear of propagating hate speech or stereotypes through their work. Instead, they should actively promote principles of tolerance and inclusivity.

The significance of unfettered access to historical records is unmistakable in the work of German historians. Pakistani historians should advocate for transparency in gaining access to historical documents and archives to ensure a faithful representation of history. Historians in Pakistan should recognise the value of embracing interdisciplinary approaches to the study of history.

Treitschke’s dismissal of other scientific disciplines underscores the importance of historians engaging with various fields and considering their contributions to a more comprehensive understanding of historical phenomena.

Pakistani historians should remain cognizant of the considerable impact their work can have on public opinion and policymaking. They should steadfastly maintain their independence and conscientiously ensure that their research serves as a responsible and ethical influence in shaping national narratives.

The experiences of German nationalist historians should underscore the ethical responsibilities borne by historians. Pakistani historians should be resolute in presenting a well-rounded, accurate and unbiased account of history, even in the face of political pressures.

Pakistani historians can glean valuable lessons from the experiences of German historians. They should emphasise objectivity, exercise critical analysis, pursue balance and ethical considerations and ultimately strive to provide a comprehensive and responsible interpretation of history. Such a commitment will enable them to steer clear of the pitfalls associated with bias and selective interpretation, contributing to a more enlightened and informed understanding of the past.

The writer is Professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore