In context of French Revolution, which of the following statements is correct regarding the declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen? I. It was declared on August 26, 1789. II. It has universal principles. III. It was written by Thomas Jefferson.
I and II
Understanding the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (French: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789) is a fundamental document of the French Revolution and in the history of human rights. It was adopted by the National Constituent Assembly (Assemblée nationale constituante) during the French Revolution.
Analyzing the Statements about the Declaration
Let's examine each statement provided in the question regarding the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:
Statement I: It was declared on August 26, 1789.
This statement is historically accurate. The National Constituent Assembly officially adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen on August 26, 1789.
Verdict: Statement I is correct.
Statement II: It has universal principles.
This statement is also correct. The Declaration proclaimed rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression as natural, unalienable, and sacred rights of all men. While initially applied within France, the language and philosophy aimed for universal relevance, influencing human rights movements globally. It codified Enlightenment ideals about the rights inherent to all individuals, not just specific classes or nations.
Verdict: Statement II is correct.
Statement III: It was written by Thomas Jefferson.
This statement is incorrect. Thomas Jefferson, who was the U.S. Minister to France at the time, did have an influence on the Declaration, particularly through his friendship with Lafayette, who was involved in the drafting. However, Jefferson himself did not write the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Key figures involved in its drafting included Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (who proposed the initial draft, inspired by the American Declaration of Independence), and Abbé Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès. The final text was a result of discussions and amendments within the National Constituent Assembly.
Verdict: Statement III is incorrect.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of each statement:
- Statement I is correct (declared on August 26, 1789).
- Statement II is correct (has universal principles).
- Statement III is incorrect (not written by Thomas Jefferson).
Therefore, the correct statements are I and II.
Revision Table: Key Facts on Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Document Name | Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) |
| Context | French Revolution |
| Date Adopted | August 26, 1789 |
| Adopting Body | National Constituent Assembly |
| Key Principles | Liberty, Property, Security, Resistance to Oppression, Equality before Law |
| Nature of Principles | Universal, Natural, Unalienable |
| Primary Influences | Enlightenment philosophy, American Declaration of Independence |
| Key Figures Involved | Lafayette, Sieyès, National Constituent Assembly members |
Additional Information on French Revolutionary Declarations
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1789 was a foundational text, but it was followed by other declarations during the French Revolution. A new version was adopted in 1793, which added social rights, and another in 1795, which included duties as well as rights. The 1789 version, however, remains the most iconic and influential.
The concept of "universal principles" was revolutionary for its time, challenging the traditional hierarchical structure of society based on birth or privilege. It asserted that rights belonged to individuals by virtue of being human, laying groundwork for modern human rights discourse.
Understanding the context of the French Revolution, including the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, helps appreciate the significance of declaring such rights. It marked a shift from a system where rights were granted by a sovereign to one where they were considered inherent.
Important Questions from French Revolution and ahead
The 'Reign of Terror' in revolutionary France referred to
Which of the following statement(s) is/are true for Olympe de Gouges?
1. She was one of the most important politically active woman in revolutionary France.
2. She was one of the members of the Committee that drafted the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.
3. She wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
In which battle was Napoleon defeated?
- In which country was Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, born?
Artist Frederic Sorrieu, who painted the idea of Democracy and Social Republic, belonged to which country?
