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German History
15th Century
This
century, just as the last, was a prosperous time for Germany,
in spite of the weak central power. Population had increased
enormously to an approximate 16 million by 1500, in spite
of the fact that the Black Death had managed to wipe out a
third of the population in the mid-14th century.
Another factor that grew enormously was trade,
especially on an international scale. Given its geographical
position in central Europe, Germany was a natural transit
route for goods being traded between the Mediterranean and
Northern Europe. Germany's rivers and Alpine passes were additional
features that facilitated and enhanced trade operations. Towns
began to grow rapidly due to urbanization as the manufacturing
industry also began to flourish.
As towns expanded, a wealth merchant oligarchy
began to emerge, with considerable power. Towns began to band
together, in attempt to protect themselves from other local
powers or even from the imperial power. One notable trading
federation that was formed was named the Hauseatic League,
when several dozen towns from the northern part of Germany
began handling shipping across the Baltic as well as terrestrial
trade.
Expansion toward the east was also a phenomenon
of the time, when many Germans formed part of a long, peaceful
immigration process and wandered as far as Russia.
Intellectually, Germany also prospered. Increased
contact with humanist from other parts of Europe, opened and
nourished cultural and ideological matters and numerous universities
were founded.
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