Reichsgewerbegesetz

The Imperial Trade Law of August 16, 1731 (also known as the Imperial Guild Law) is enacted by the Reichstag at the instigation of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I. The autonomy of the guilds is restricted and access to the craft is easier. At the same time the apprenticeship and journeyman system is being reorganized.

The guilds lose their own jurisdiction . Legal disputes must now be carried out in public courts . The monopoly of the guilds is broken by facilitating access to handicrafts and increasing the number of masters and journeymen.

The apprenticeship training is subject to fixed rules and controls. The issuing of training certificates is precisely regulated. Journeyman's associations and labor disputes are prohibited. Refusal to work is punishable by severe penalties, including the death penalty.

source

• Chronik der Deutschen, Harenberg-Verlag , ISBN 3-88379-023-0 , page 397