Catherine the Great issues the Charter to the Towns

Background. Catherine II, known as Catherine the Great, ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796. Her reign was characterized by long-term stability and Enlightenment-era prosperity, marked by the establishment of new cities and institutions. The Charter to the Towns emerged within this context of administrative modernization, following earlier decrees such as the 1775 Statute for the Administration of Provinces and the 1782 Police Ordinance.

Legislative Content. The Charter distributed all people into six groups, a mechanism intended to limit the power of nobles and create a middle estate. It was part of a wider legislative package in 1785, which also included the Charter to the Nobility, increasing the power of landed oligarchs. The act also addressed religious minorities, allowing Old Believers to hold elected municipal positions.

Social Impact. The Charter's issuance coincided with Catherine's broader 1785 actions affecting religious and ethnic minorities. In 1785, Catherine declared Jews to be officially foreigners, with foreigners' rights; this was distinct from her earlier attempt to assimilate Jews into Russia's economy by including them under the rights and laws of the Charter of the Towns of 1782. Separately, Old Believers were allowed to hold elected municipal positions after the Urban Charter of 1785.