2. The Declaration of the Rights of Man
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted in August 1789, set forth revolutionary ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. The document proclaimed the natural rights of every individual, emphasizing freedom of speech, equal justice, and the sovereignty of the people. These groundbreaking principles inspired hope for a new, just society. However, the promise of these rights stood in stark contrast to the violence and repression that would soon follow. Explore the full declaration at Yale Avalon Project.
