Mercantile conflict resolution and the role of the language of trust: a Danzig case in the middle of the sixteenth century. Issue 241 (8th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wubs-Mrozewicz, Justyna
• Is Part Of: Historical research. Volume 88:Issue 241(2015)
• Page Start: 417
• Page End: 440
• Publication Date: 2015-07-08
• Subjects: History -- Periodicals; History -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 907.2
• DOI: 10.1111/1468-2281.12105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-3471

Abstract

Abstract: This article investigates the role of trust in mercantile relations in the Hanse region in the sixteenth century. It focuses on verbal expressions of trust, a topic which has only recently been broached in terms of social theory or analyses of pre‐modern trade, through the examination of an unpublished case of conflict resolution between two traders from Hanseatic towns. The microanalysis of the trial in Danzig reveals that trust (both personal and general), as expressed in the sources, was an instrument in resolving conflict. Membership in the Hanse could instil an additional layer of trust.