Dithmarschen

Download or read book Dithmarschen written by William L. Urban and published by Edwin Mellen Press. This book was released on 1991 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume examines the existence of the Dithmarschen Republic (1227-1559), ruled by commoners who developed their own institutions, had their own written constitution, and successfully defended their political independence against the forces of Holstein, the combined powers of Schleswig and Holstein, and the united kingdom of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It argues that the unique characteristics of Dithmarschen are not unique, and that many medieval peasant communities shared these characteristics - the clan system, a militia, and the desire to govern themselves - but had lacked the advantageous geographic and political situation enjoyed by Dithmarschen.