Which principles were central to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

Enhance your AP European History skills with comprehensive quizzes and detailed explanations. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions to excel in your examination!

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, adopted during the French Revolution in 1789, is an important document that articulated the principles of human rights and citizenship. The core ideals encapsulated in the declaration are liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Liberty refers to the freedom of the individual, asserting that all men are free and equal in rights, and that these rights include the liberty of thought, speech, and religion. Equality emphasizes that all citizens have the same rights and that there should be no privileges based on birth or status; each person is to be treated equally under the law. Fraternity underscores the importance of solidarity and mutual support among citizens, which is critical in fostering a unified society that works together toward common good.

These principles not only represent the philosophical foundation of the French Revolution, aiming to dismantle the feudal aristocracy and create a more just society but also influenced later democratic movements worldwide. In contrast, the other sets of principles listed do not capture the essence of this historic document as accurately, focusing on concepts that are less foundational to the specific goals of the Declaration.

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