Over at /r/eu4, we're all very excited by the recent addition of Dithmarschen, defined by a "peasant republic" government type in-game. What was the government of Dithmarschen in the 15th and early 16th centuries? Was it considered unique at the time?

by bdbdbbbd

Bonus question: Wikipedia notes that "in medieval times the marshland villages of Dithmarschen enjoyed remarkable autonomy" - do we know why?

Queermmunist

Were the means of production owned and operated by the workers and peasants, a kind of proto-socialism, or was Dithmarschen still a feudal economy? (In marxian terms)