French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)

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The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted on August 26, 1789, is a foundational document of the French Revolution. It was crafted by the National Constituent Assembly, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu and Rousseau. The Declaration asserts that all men are born free and equal in rights, emphasizing liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It established the principle of popular sovereignty, where power resides in the nation, not in monarchs or nobility. The document's 17 articles set forth principles of equality before the law, freedom of speech and religion, and the separation of powers. It became a model for similar declarations worldwide, shaping modern concepts of human rights and democracy. Despite its limitations, such as initially applying only to men, it remains a cornerstone of French constitutional law and a global symbol of universal rights. Its influence extends beyond France, inspiring movements for liberty and equality across the globe.