How has the position of the nobility changed? What strata of the population formed the bourgeoisie?

As capitalism developed, the nobility was losing its position. It lost its main labor force – the serfs. As a result, the role of the nobility fell sharply, and they were deprived of economic independence and influence. The bourgeoisie arose from layers of wealthy merchants and leaders of craft guilds. Sometimes nobles became capitalists, but this was a rarity in continental Europe, because doing business was contrary to their notions of honor.