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Merchant Guilds

Definition

Merchant guilds were associations of merchants and traders in medieval Europe that sought to maintain a monopoly over a town's trade and protect their economic interests.

Related terms

Monopoly: A situation where a single company or group exclusively controls the supply or trade in a commodity or service.

Medieval Europe: The period in European history from the 5th century to the 15th century, characterized by feudalism, manorialism, the Crusades, and eventually leading up to the Renaissance.

Trade Routes: Paths used on land or sea primarily for the transport of goods from one place to another.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.