Hanseatic League

Hanseatic League, medieval confederation of North German towns and merchants organized to protect their trading interests in the Baltic Sea and throughout Europe. The league was created by the Hansas, companies having trading interests outside Germany. It arose informally in the late 12th century, and by the middle of the 14th century, more than 70 German cities had entered into mutual alliance treaties. In 1358 the league was formally declared. Its capital was Lübeck on Germany's northern coast. Assemblies were held there to decide on monopolies, trading rights, and other policy matters. Members of the league established commercial centers in many foreign towns, including Bergen (Norway), London, and Novgorod (Russia). The league's strength declined with the rise of nationalism in Europe, and it disappeared in the 17th century.