A guild was an association of tradesmen or merchants who provided the same sorts of products or services. There were guilds of such groups as soap-makers, spice merchants, and
… carpenters. Some guilds were rather highly specialized, as in the case of a silk weavers' guild. Guilds regulated the markets for their members. They excluded competition from outsiders, but they also provided price and quality standards. They systematized the education of apprentices. They provided for the welfare of members and their families. In some cases, they operated charities. Guilds were naturally rather democratic. They were also politically active. And they entered into confederation with other guilds in the towns and cities where they operated. In some places, this combination created local republican governments. A guild dominated town or city of the Middle Ages is called a medieval commune, and these existed in fair numbers, especially in Italy. Leagues of guilds were formed across international borders, and the Hanseatic League was one of these. It had its own diplomatic and military power, independent of any one country. There are some source links below. (MORE) 
