Due to his prolific writings and his political activities, Schlözer was a well-known personality in the late 18th century both at home and beyond the borders of the Holy Roman Empire. He represented a type of scientist who concentrated on strict research into cultural-historical relationships and on collecting the respective data. He could at times be difficult to get along with, with his undiplomatic manners, although the directness of his approach also won him many admirers. Many pinned their hopes on him and enjoyed the criticism he expressed. Yet, surprising enough, his influence did not extend beyond the revolutionary year 1789. Landing squarely in the middle of the tensions he eventually withdrew from public life.

Contributions by: Thomas Nicklas, Helmut Zedelmaier, Rainer Vinke, Rainer Vinke, Thomas Henkel, Ulrich Muhlack, Reinhard Lauer, Helmut Keipert, Annamà ria Biró, Merio Scattola, Wolfgang Burgdorf, Holger Böning