The characteristics of the Third Estate that helped fuel the French Revolution include its vast size and diversity, heavy taxation burden, lack of political power, and social inequality. The Third Estate made up about 98% of the French population and included everyone who was not part of the clergy or nobility, ranging from wealthy merchants and educated bourgeoisie to peasants and urban workers. Despite their significant contribution to the economy and society, they owned only a small portion of land and were heavily taxed with many taxes not applied to the privileged estates. Politically, they were excluded from power, with many government positions and privileges reserved for the nobility and clergy. This exclusion, combined with economic hardships, rising food prices, and social frustrations, led to widespread resentment against the Old Regime and desire for reform, making the Third Estate a critical driving force behind the revolution.
