An aristocrat is a member of the high society and the upper class, usually below only the monarch. Aristocrats were nobles, members of the royal family, or simply just heirs and heiresses to large fortunes, and they typically inherited their money and lived lavish lifestyles. During the 19th century, aristocrats were known to hold fancy balls and parties, to wear very expensive clothing and jewlery, and to have the finest cuisine, all at the expense of the hard-working lower classes. After the French Revolution of the late 18th century, the aristocracy's power was decreased, as the people began to take control of society. As absolute monarchies were abolished and the lower classes gained more of a say in the government, the power of the aristocracy declined, and many would be reduced to living common lives.