Abstract：

The European guilds underwent some new changes in the early modern period. Geographically, guilds in different regions showed varying degrees of development momentum; the guilds in the Netherlands and England declined earlier, while those in other parts of Europe remained robust until a later period. Functionally, the socio-economic role of guilds, their monopoly, control over production and markets, and attitudes towards technological innovation had undergone more significant changes compared to the Middle Ages. The political and social changes in various European countries had a polarized impact on the development of European guilds. The features of European guilds in the Middle Ages became more differentiated in modern times, resulting in far-reaching influences.

Published on History Research and Teaching, Issue 5, 2024.