Hanseatic League (Noun)
Meaning
A commercial and defensive confederation of free cities in northern Germany and surrounding areas; formed in 1241 and most influential in the 14th century when it included over 100 towns and functioned as an independent political power; the last official assembly was held in 1669.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The Hanseatic League was a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northern Europe during the Late Middle Ages.
- The Hanseatic League played a significant role in the economic and cultural development of the region, promoting trade and commerce.
- In its heyday, the Hanseatic League was a quasi-state entity, with its own system of governance, laws, and diplomacy.
- The Hanseatic League's decline began in the 16th century, as the rise of national states and the decline of the feudal system eroded its power and influence.
- The legacy of the Hanseatic League can still be seen in the many towns and cities that were once part of the confederation, which continue to celebrate their heritage and cultural traditions.