Die maritime Wirtschaft im Lichte der modernen Wirtschafts- und Unternehmensgeschichte

Abstract

Abstract Maritime Economy in the Perspective of Modern Economic and Business History The maritime economy has been the leading economic sector of the German coastal regions since the beginning of the early modern era. In contrast to its importance for the society and economy of the North Sea and Baltic regions, the interest of Economic and Business historians in its development within those regions during the last three centuries has been comparatively low. Most studies concerning shipbuilding are dominated by more political-historical focused approaches, which leave aside significant research questions that would benefit our understanding of the specific development of the maritime economy and its businesses. In order to fill this gap and reach the level of research other nations have, significant efforts are necessary. Provided that enough source material is available and access to it is not limited by institutional restrictions, the maritime Economic and Business history in Germany is looking at promising prospects. To use this opportunity would expand our knowledge about the development of the «leading sectors» of some of the most important economic regions in Germany, especially, if the research questions and strategies of the modern Economic and Business history are applied.