Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Definition

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is a fundamental document from the French Revolution, adopted in 1789, that outlines the individual and collective rights of all citizens. It asserts principles like liberty, equality, and fraternity while emphasizing the importance of human rights as universal and inalienable. This declaration served as a cornerstone for modern democracy and influenced subsequent human rights documents worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Declaration was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau and Locke, who championed individual freedoms and social contracts.
2. It was formally adopted by the National Assembly on August 26, 1789, amidst the revolutionary fervor sweeping France.
3. The Declaration lays out 17 articles that address rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and the right to resist oppression.
4. It established that the law is an expression of the general will and must be applicable to all citizens without discrimination.
5. The principles set forth in the Declaration greatly influenced other revolutionary movements around the world, including those in Latin America and Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen reflect Enlightenment ideals?
  • The Declaration embodies key Enlightenment ideals by emphasizing natural rights such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. Influenced by thinkers like Rousseau and Locke, it asserts that individuals possess inherent rights that should not be infringed upon by government authority. This connection between Enlightenment philosophy and the principles outlined in the Declaration helped shape modern democratic thought and encouraged movements advocating for civil liberties across Europe.
• What role did the Declaration play in shaping France's political structure during the Revolution?
  • The Declaration was instrumental in transitioning France towards a constitutional monarchy by promoting principles of governance based on popular sovereignty. It challenged the absolute rule of the monarchy by asserting that laws should reflect the will of the people. This shift laid the groundwork for subsequent political changes in France, including the establishment of a parliamentary system that recognized individual rights and limited royal power.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen on global human rights movements.
  • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen had a profound long-term impact on global human rights movements by serving as a model for future declarations and constitutions worldwide. Its emphasis on universal human rights inspired numerous revolutionary movements throughout history, fostering ideals of democracy and equality. The principles articulated in this document continue to resonate today, influencing international human rights frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

Related terms

Natural Rights:

The rights that individuals are believed to inherently possess by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, and property.

Constitutional Monarchy:

A system of governance where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, often limiting royal authority.

Tennis Court Oath:

A pivotal event during the early stages of the French Revolution where members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established.