Question

What characteristics of the third estate helped fuel the revolution

Answer 1

the top people were all very rich bankers, merchants, and manufacturers

Answer 2

During the French Monarchy, the social structure was divided into 3 states:

1. The First Estate, which was the Clergy
2. The Second Estate, which was the Nobles
3. The Third Estate, which were the Burgoise and the Peasants.

One of the main reasons that led to the revolution was excessive benefits that the French Crown granted to the clergy and nobility. Among these were tax exemptions and exclusive areas designated for their living.

Citizens of the Third State were enraged by the Monarchy's policies. This discontent was the initial motivator for the French Revolution.