Armatorzy, Szyprowie i Marynarze w Portach Południowego Bałtyku w XVIII wieku.

Abstract

The term ‘people connected with the sea’ sensu largo includes not only those who sailing through the oceans risked their lives, but also those who sent the former risking their possessions. The present analysis covers the groups of the people connected with the sea in the main Baltic ports (Gdańsk, Szczecin, Elbląg, Stralsund, Kołobrzeg). Shipowners reacted swiftly to the changing economic situation; it should be noted that their activities were more and more influenced by the central government’s economic policy (through the systems of taxation, monopolies and excise). Shipowners started undertaking commercial activity and creating shipping companies, related informally by blood and friendship; being engaged in trade became popular. In periods of prosperity the number of sailing ships was increasing, and it was easier for skippers and sailors to find a job on board a ship. Their employment was regulated by law (e.g. Danzig Willkür). Yet there were neither state and municipal social regulations nor life, health and family insurance; such things depended on private initiatives or the guilds.

Keywords

• people of the sea
• the southern Baltic
• the 18th century