Austrian nobility

Austrian nobility refers to the privileged social class in Austria, particularly before the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. Members of the nobility held titles such as duke, count, and baron, often owning large estates and wielding political influence. This hierarchy was supported by a system of land ownership and hereditary rights, which granted them significant social status. The nobility played a crucial role in Austria's history, contributing to cultural and political developments. After World War I, the nobility lost much of their power and privileges as the empire dissolved and new democratic systems emerged.