Protestantische Handlernetze im langen 18. Jahrhundert

The corporation of German traders in Venice, the Nazione Alemana, was a symbol of the divided decline of Venice and the Upper German imperial cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, it is shown here that the German traders in northern Italy developed a new activity in global trade in the 18th century, forming a pietistic dealer network in Venice that facilitated the development of reliable relationships of trust in long-distance trade. This interaction between the imperial city traders in Livorno and Venice made it possible for them to reach out into the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 698 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

The corporation of German traders in Venice, known as the Nazione Alemana, has had a longstanding presence in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi since the Middle Ages. Traditionally, it has been seen as a symbol of the decline of Venice and the Upper German imperial cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, this essay presents a different perspective. It demonstrates that the German traders in northern Italy, primarily originating from imperial cities, embarked on a novel global trade activity in the 18th century. This expansion was not limited to Venice alone but also extended to Livorno. The formation of a pietistic dealer network in Venice represented a significant shift, as these German traders not only interacted with their Venetian counterparts but also opened up to North German merchants. This facilitated the development of reliable relationships of trust in long-distance trade, enabling them to reach out into the world.

The resulting interaction between the imperial city traders in Livorno and Venice played a pivotal role in their ability to expand their trade networks and engage with a broader range of global markets. This collaboration not only boosted economic prosperity but also facilitated cultural exchange and mutual understanding between different regions and communities. The Nazione Alemana, as a symbol of the divided decline of Venice and the Upper German imperial cities, has undergone a transformation through its involvement in global trade. It has emerged as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of traders and the interconnectedness of the world's economies in the 18th century.

ISBN-13: 9783525363294