Which group formed the middle class within the Third Estate?

• A. Bourgeoisie
• B. Clergy
• C. Sans Culottes
• D. Nobles

Answer: (A)

The middle class within the Third Estate were the bourgeoise, a group of merchants, professionals, educated non-nobles, and business owners who had wealth and schooling but lacked the political privileges enjoyed by the aristocracy. Their economic power gave them influence, yet the Ancien Régime restricted their political authority, which spurred them to push for reforms and a more representative government. This combination of wealth and desire for political influence defines them as the middle class of the Third Estate.

In contrast, the clergy belonged to the First Estate, and the nobles to the Second Estate. The Sans-culottes were urban workers and artisans who represented the lower strata of the Third Estate, not the middle class.