Marc Bloch

Date of Birth: July 6, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 16, 1944

Biography

Marc Léopold Benjamin Bloch was a renowned French historian, known for his significant contributions to medieval history and his role as a member of the French Resistance during World War II. Born into a family of scholars, Bloch developed an early interest in history, which he pursued with great passion throughout his life. He studied at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris and later earned his doctorate from the University of Strasbourg. Bloch’s academic career was marked by his innovative approach to history, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social and economic contexts of historical events. His major works, including “Feudal Society” and “The Historian’s Craft,” have had a lasting impact on the field of historiography. Bloch was also a co-founder of the Annales School, which revolutionized the study of history by promoting interdisciplinary research and long-term historical trends. During World War II, Bloch joined the French Resistance, demonstrating his commitment to his country and his principles. Tragically, he was captured by the Gestapo and executed in 1944. Despite his untimely death, Bloch’s legacy continues to influence historians worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Marc Bloch

1. Marc Bloch served as a captain in the French Army during World War I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.

2. He co-founded the Annales School of historical writing with Lucien Febvre in 1929.

3. Bloch’s book “The Historian’s Craft” is considered a seminal work in the field of historiography.

4. He was an advocate for the use of interdisciplinary methods in historical research, incorporating insights from sociology, anthropology, and economics.

5. Despite his academic success, Bloch was dismissed from his university post in 1940 due to anti-Semitic laws enacted by the Vichy regime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marc Bloch

1. “History is, in its essentials, the science of change.”

2. “The good historian is like the giant of the fairy tale. He knows that wherever he catches the scent of human flesh, there his quarry lies.”

3. “When all is said and done, the historian’s task is to bring understanding to the present by explaining the past.”

4. “The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines. All he can do is to watch them through the traces which they have left.”

5. “Ignorance of the past does not only deform our understanding of the present; it also undermines our ability to act in the future.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marc Bloch’s net worth is not documented, as his era and professional focus did not lend themselves to the modern concept of net worth.

Children

Marc Bloch had six children with his wife, Simonne Vidal. His family life was an important part of his personal identity, and his children carried on his intellectual legacy in various ways.