Wirtschaftliche Land-Stadt-Beziehungen Norddeutschlands im 15. und frühen 16. Jahrhundert

Abstract

Rural-urban relations at the end of the Middle Ages in northern Germany have not yet been sufficiently investigated. A review of the results of existing historical research shows these substantial elements: There was a low density of urban settlements, decreasing from south to north. Therefore some large villages developed into market towns later on. The towns have always held surrounding agrarian areas belonging to inhabitants, furnishing self-supply by degree. Grain always had to be imported by the towns to secure supply. Agrarian producers (peasants as well as seigniorial manors) provided grain for the towns in their vicinity, but also traded with partners at large distances (e.g. The Netherlands). Urban markets were frequented by peasants; the number of artisans in the countryside increased and created a growing competition for town artisans. Since the fourteenth century strong credit relations existed between inhabitants of the towns, urban clerical institutions (creditors), and the rural population (debtors).