Nobility in Europe refers to a social class that historically held privileges and power, often granted by monarchs. This class included titles such as dukes, counts, and barons, and members typically owned large estates and had significant influence over local governance. Nobility played a crucial role in the feudal system, where land was exchanged for military service and loyalty. Over time, the power of the nobility varied across different countries. In places like France and England, the nobility was involved in political affairs, while in others, such as Russia, they were often seen as a ruling elite. The decline of noble power began with events like the French Revolution, which led to the rise of more democratic forms of governance.