1789Reputable sourceWell documented
The French Revolution and the Rights of Man
On the timeline · around 1789 · Liberty & Revolution
What happened
The French Revolution of 1789 swept away absolute monarchy and proclaimed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, declaring that all men are born free and equal in rights and that sovereignty belongs to the nation. Its ideals — liberty, equality, fraternity — spread across Europe and the world.
Why it matters
The French Revolution made the ideals of universal rights, equality, and popular sovereignty a force in world politics. Though it descended into terror and dictatorship, its principles inspired democratic and nationalist movements for generations.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. French Revolution · Reputable source
Related timelines
- The French Revolution → — The Declaration of the Rights of Man