Abolition of serfdom and loss of status Ukrainian nobility from Galicia

medal of 1782 commemorating constitution of parliament in galicia , lodomeria joseph ii, holy roman emperor. shows allegorical depiction of imperial law (left) being handed on allegorical figure of galicia shield showing coat of arms of lands

in 1772, western ukraine annexed austria during first partition of poland. western ukrainian nobility, self-image centered on function of militarily defending kingdom, found without social role within new political circumstances , point defined largely differences , superiority peasants. in 1848, serfdom abolished. prior abolishment of serfdom in 1848, ukrainian nobility enjoyed lifestyle quite different of ukrainian peasants. unlike ukrainian peasants, ukrainian nobles worked on own lands , not forced work polish nobility. enjoyed own court system , not under authority of local polish-dominated courts. unlike serfs, ukrainian nobles not obligated perform communal duty such working on roads, considered humiliating.

in contrast polish nobles had owned serfs, ukrainian nobles did not experience economic losses when serfdom abolished. instead, experienced loss in social status , standing. ukrainian nobles lost of privileges, placed under same legal authority , given same obligations peasants. in 1860, noble self-government abolished , noble , peasant elected bodies integrated. nobility attempted continue unofficially elect own leaders, traditionally known prefects, despite official integration peasant community. multiple appeals austrian government in 1860s seeking obtain separate legal standings failed, rare exceptions such being able avoid having perform compulsory roadwork. thus, in mid nineteenth century political , socioeconomic differences between ukrainian nobles , ukrainian peasants disappeared.

in 1 of 2 regions large concentration of ukrainian nobles, western podilia, loss of special noble legal privileges , elimination of peasant serfdom led assimilation of of western ukrainian nobility ukrainian peasantry , disappearance of nobility social group. in contrast, nobles southern galicia retain distinct self-identity twentieth century.