CLASS 7 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Urban development and the Hanseatic League – basic principles

How it works

In the Middle Ages, many cities emerged in Europe, especially also in the territory of present-day Germany. Cities often developed along trade routes, rivers, bridges, or crossroads. They offered protection, markets, and their own rights. The Hanseatic League was from the 12th to the 17th century an alliance and network of mainly North German merchants and cities that shaped trade in the North Sea and Baltic Sea region and beyond. Hanseatic cities and merchants benefited from cooperation, shared privileges, and mutual support. Urban development and the Hanseatic League had a lasting influence on the economy, society, and politics.

Note
Medieval cities emerged for economic, geographical, and legal reasons; the Hanseatic League was a network and association of merchants and cities to promote and secure trade.

An example

What geographical advantages did many medieval cities have?

Many cities lay on rivers or trade routes, which made trade easier and offered protection. That is correct because waterways made transport and supply possible.

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50 Exercises

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: History. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.