The Hanseatic League

The Hanseatic League

            “The Hanseatic League was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and their market towns that dominated trade along the coast of Northern Europe. It stretched from the Baltic to the North Sea and inland during the Late Middle Ages and early modern period (c. 13^th to 17^th Centuries).”

I chose to focus on the expansion of the Hanseatic League. The Hanseatic League was located on the Baltic Sea which meant they had great access to the trade routes. The Scandinavians had been in charge of those trade routes for many years, therefore they were now in competition with each other. A treaty was formed and an end was put to the competition. Through this treaty, the merchants gained access to the inland Russian port of Novgorod.

Alliances formed through the Holy Roman Empire, and over time the alliances grew from 70 cities to 170. The League also established many trading posts that grew to become significant enclaves. These trading posts were in busy areas with a lot of trading and they prospered quickly. The Hanseatic League started out by trading course woolen fabrics, but as trade increased, they started to trade newer and finer woolen and linen fabrics, even silk. These products were being manufactured in Northern Germany. “The century – long monopolization of sea navigation and trade by the Hanseatic League ensured that the Renaissance would arrive in Northern Germany long before the rest of Europe.”

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League

 

North-Rhine Westphalia Presentation

 

 

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North-Rhine Westphalia:

(United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)  Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust:

 

 

The castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust were designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.  In 1725 Clemens Augustus (Archbishop – Elector of Cologne) began working on what is now Augustusburg Castle.  The Augustusburg Castle and The Falkenlust Castle are connected by a road running through the park. Both of these sights are open for public viewing.

 

Source: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/culture/world-heritage/artikel/castles-of-augustusburg-and-falkenlust/,

September 7, 2014

 

 

 

 

2)  Corvey Castle:

 

              Corvey Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2014. It is said to be: “A One of a Kind Structure.” Corvey is one of only almost completely intact structures remaining from the Carolingian Period. Traveling Kings and Emperors stayed here on their way through. Corvey was extremely important is terms of church history. Also, August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, the writer of the German National Anthem worked in the library here.

 

 

Source: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/culture/world-heritage/artikel/corvey-a-one-of-a-kind-structure/ , September 7, 2014

 

 

 

3)  Aachen Cathedral:

 

Aachen Cathedral was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1978. This was the first German monument to be named a UNSECO World Heritage Site. Aachen Cathedral is one of the best preserved monuments from the Carolingian Period. Emperor Charlemagne built it in the 8^th century and it was the center point of the European Empire. Charlemagne died in 814, and he was buried in the Cathedral, his shrine can still be viewed today.

 

Source: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/culture/world-heritage/artikel/aachen-cathedral-in-the-footsteps-of-charlemagne/ , September 7, 2014

 

 

 

4)  Cologne Cathedral:

 

              Cologne Cathedral was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is said to be: “An Emblem to the Region.” The foundation for this Cathedral were first laid in 1248, this is the Middle Ages. The Cathedral did suffer some damage in the world wars. However, several important pieces were saved.  Almost 6 million people visit each year, it is the most popular tourist destination in all of Germany.

 

 

Source: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/culture/world-heritage/artikel/cologne-cathedral-the-emblem-of-a-region/ ,

September 7, 2014

 

 

 

 

5)  Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex:

                        Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2001. Between 1947 and 1986 Zollverein was the largest and most modern coal mine in the world. The plant was laid out according to the principle of symmetry and geometry. Zollverein has become a prime site for the art, culture and creative sectors, attracting more than two million visitors a year.

 

Source: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/culture/world-heritage/artikel/zollverein-coal-mine-industrial-complex-world-heritage-in-the-ruhr-region/ , September 7, 2014

 

 

Important Industries in North-Rhine Westphalia:

 

·        Automotive: Every year about 800,000 passenger cars and commercial vehicles are produced here.

·        Biotechnology: First place in Europe in terms of biotech patent applications.

·        Chemicals: NRW is Germany’s most important location for chemicals. Distinguished by its first class research.

·        Energy: The state between Rhine and Ruhr supplies 30% of Germany’s electricity.

·        Environmental Technology: Sales are about 60 billion euros, the most successful federal sector in the state.

·         Food:  More than 850,000 people in over 113,000 businesses work in NRW along the food value chain.

·         Health Care: The healthcare industry has the largest sector in all of NRW.

·         Informational and Communication Technologies: (ICT) is unfolding its innovative strength in major areas of application.

·         New Materials: NRW is a region with wide-ranging materials expertise.

·         Logistics: One of the central transportation hubs in Europe.

·         Mechanical Engineering: The core area of economy is NRW and the biggest industrial employer.

·         Media: The state has developed into a leading media and creative location.

·         Microsystems Technology: 28% of all German actors are found in NRW.

·        Nanotechnology: NRW also occupies a top position in nanotechnology throughout Germany and Europe.

·        Plastics: The plastics industry is the carrier and driver of innovations in the fields of materials, production processes and products for practically all areas of life in NRW.

 

Famous Germans from North-Rhine Westphalia:

·        Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

 

·        Poet: Heinrich Heine

 

·        Industrialist: Alfred Krupp

 

·        Social Scientist & Political Theorist: Friedrich Engels

 

·        Physicist: Wilhelm Röntgen

 

·        Chancellor: Konrad Adenauer

 

·        Chancellor: Gerhard Schröeder

 

·        F1 Driver: Michael Schumacher

 

·        Model: Claudia Schiffer

 

·        Model & Actress: Heidi Klum

What I expect to get out of this Class: As a person with a lot of German descent I was more than excited to take this class. I am hoping to learn more about German culture as well as the history that made it into what it is today. I am also excited to read the book and watch the movies that you spoke of earlier.

Ge110RolandSp@blogspot.com