Post 1750 – Final Endowments of Law

The endowment of law on the Ukrainian city of Poltava in 1752 was one of the last instances of the spread of Magdeburg law to Eastern Europe by municipal authorities. Many European cities had been in conflict with their territorial lords for centuries. They were intent on expanding their claims to power over the cities in their territories as well. Municipal self-government and liberty constituted obstacles. Along with growing reception of Roman law and the end of settlement in Eastern Europe, this was one of the reasons for the declining significance and spread of Magdeburg law, even though it retained its validity in some cities and regions well into the 19th century.