Why did critical philosophy of history become prominent in the 20th century?

Critical philosophy of history, also known as analytical philosophy of history, rose to prominence in the 20th century as a shift away from speculative, "grand" theories that attempted to provide synoptic visions of the entire historical process.12

This transition was driven by several key factors:

• Methodological Shift: Philosophers began to prioritize the "second-order" investigation of historical inquiry itself. Rather than constructing teleological or quasi-scientific schemes, thinkers like Wilhelm Dilthey, Benedetto Croce, and R.G. Collingwood sought to elucidate the presuppositions, concepts, and logical structures that practicing historians actually use to understand the past.12
• Analytical Influence: The broader acceptance of analytical approaches in other branches of philosophy encouraged a focus on the precise explication of terms and the justification of existing historical procedures.1
• Rejection of Meaningless Chaos: These philosophers argued that history is made intelligible through the work of historians. They contended that the philosopher’s task is to articulate how historians classify the past, substantiate interpretations, and structure their explanations, rather than imposing an external, all-embracing system upon the course of events.1

By focusing on these analytical problems, 20th-century philosophers aimed to provide a clearer, more legitimate insight into the conditions that render historical knowledge possible.13