Thank you Germany: Part 087: The Hanseatic League is a real success story in German history

The Hanseatic League is a real success story in German history. The Hanseatic League united many cities throughout Europe. It stands for trade within Europe. But it also stood for a cultivated culture with special moral standards. The history of the Hanseatic League stretches far back into the early modern era. Important cities such as Hamburg and Rostock achieved their high economic status. The history of the Hanseatic League brought Germany a trade that also brought important products to Germany from many other countries around the world. Whether it was tea, coffee, fabrics or other things - the whole of Germany benefited from the goods imported by sea.

The trade in goods ensured that luxury foods came to Germany as well as colonial goods and other products from all over the world gained access to the German market. This not only made German traders richer. Ordinary consumers also benefited. In many households, coffee and luxury foods that were not available in Germany became commonplace. In addition, some people travelled the world via the Hanseatic cities. Many a sailor took this as the starting point for a unique voyage of discovery around the world. Many people heard the stories of these sailors when they returned to Germany.

However, some sailors made it so far in the shipping industry that they took over their own ship or stayed in another part of the world. The Hanseatic League is also known for the large companies that sold basic goods. Shipping and trading German grain made entire family dynasties rich. Banks were also founded in some cities as a result. Many wealthy companies in these cities also promoted culture and developed a broad-based patronage. The Hanseatic League should also be thanked for this. The history of the Hanseatic League may no longer be so well known today. Many people in Germany no longer even recognise the name of this once important institution. And yet there are plenty of reasons to be proud of the Hanseatic League. On the one hand, it was responsible for the economic upturn in the cities, which brought benefits to many people in Germany. On the other hand, the Hanseatic League's trade also led to the peaceful transport of goods. The Hanseatic League is therefore the starting point for today's globalisation.

At the same time, it could be a historical model for a peaceful way of life on an equal footing. It is the exact opposite of gunboat politics, which enforces trade through power. Perhaps we should be proud of the principles of the Hanseatic League and revitalise them today. The history of the Hanseatic League is primarily associated with the name of the city of Hamburg. People here are particularly proud of this tradition to this day. But there were also Hanseatic cities in many other German states. In Hamburg, however, the tradition of this association can still be studied today. A short trip to beautiful Hamburg can provide the right inspiration for responsible trade in today's world. You simply have to be grateful to beautiful Hamburg for this.

This tradition should not be forgotten, but rather revitalised under today's conditions. The Hanseatic League offers interesting suggestions.