Aristocracy, << `ar` uh STOK ruh see, >> is a high social class that often used to include the government leaders of a state or nation. Its members claim to be, or are considered by others to be, superior to other people in the society because of family ties, social rank, wealth, or ability. Historically, the word aristocracy referred to a form of government controlled by a few wealthy or socially prominent citizens. The word comes from the Greek term meaning rule by the best.
Many aristocrats have inherited titles of nobility, such as duke or baron. These titles were usually given to their ancestors by monarchs because of their wealth or service to the state. In most cases, people were accepted into aristocracy because they owned much land.
In ancient times, aristocracies controlled the governments of Greece and Rome. In modern times, they ruled Britain, Japan, Russia, and Germany. By the time of World War I (1914-1918), the idea that all people are equal had gained influence in many nations through democracy and socialism. As a result, the role of aristocracies in government declined sharply.
