Question: what were the purpose of the "guilds" in the middle ages? 

Answer: Merchant guilds controlled the trade in the town by setting prices, et cetera.\n\nCraft guilds regulated the quality, working hours, and conditions of its members.  There were 3 levels of guild members:  Masters, journeymen, and apprentices.\n\nApprentices worked for approx. 7 yrs to learn the craft, then became journeymen.  the journeymen worked approx. 7 years, then submitted a sample to the guild masters for approval. If the item was approved, they became Masters.
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