History The Middle Ages Questions
The Hanseatic League played a significant role in medieval trade. It was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northern Europe, primarily during the 13th to 17th centuries. The league facilitated trade and commerce by establishing a network of trading posts and alliances across the Baltic and North Seas. It controlled and regulated trade routes, ensuring the safety of merchants and their goods. The league also negotiated favorable trade agreements with foreign powers, allowing its members to access new markets and obtain exclusive trading rights. Additionally, the Hanseatic League standardized trade practices, such as weights, measures, and currencies, which promoted trust and facilitated transactions. Overall, the league's influence and dominance in medieval trade greatly contributed to the economic growth and prosperity of its member cities and regions.