Hanseatic League

Question 1

Who were the Hanseatic League?

Answer 1

A commercial trade network of European nations to protect and facilitate mutual trade interests specifically in the Baltic/North Sea regions.

Question 2

What were the origins of the Hanseatic League?

Answer 2

The League was formed in the 12th century by North German towns/merchants, incorporating other Baltic regions over time to control the trade of goods such as timber, grain, fish and premium Baltic salt.

Question 3

What benefits did members of the Hanseatic League benefit from? (3)

Answer 3

1. Commercial Privileges - Hanseatic merchants held exclusive trading privileges in participating nations, being exempt from many tariffs/taxes.
2. Political Influence - The strong economic power exerted by Hanseatic members generated regional political influence over military, alliances and treaty. This often was to protect or elevate trade interests.
3. Legal Disputes - The League developed its own legal system, the ‘Law of the Hansa,’ which governed trade disputes and conctracts.