Politics 1250 up to 1300

Lübeck and Hamburg concluded an agreement in 1241 to support each other in trade and dealing with street robbery. By 1265 Kiel, Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund had joined the alliance. This led to the creation of the “Wendish quarter” of the Hansa. After the collapse of the German merchants‘ association in Visby in Gotland Lübeck took over the leading role at the end of the 13^th century.

Prenzlau becomes the first Pomeranian city to adopt Germanic law. Stralsund is founded in 1234. The medium-sized cities of Greifswald and Kolberg follow in 1250 and 1255. Of the 58 states in the late Middle Ages, 30 are founded in the period from 1226 to 1275. Lübeck and Hamburg sign an accord in 1241, granting mutual assurances of mercantile support and efforts to fight piracy. Kiel, Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund have joined the alliance by 1265. This marks the emergence of the 'Wendian Quarter' within the Hanseatic League, and Stralsund acquires a powerful position. The Pomeranian estates – landed gentry, the cities and the clergy – forge their first alliance in 1278, imposing uniform regional taxation and squeezing the duchy.