Impact Of Human Rights In The French Revolution

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The French Revolution was a momentous turning point for the people of France, and even all of Europe. It spurred many advances in human rights during its occurrence and in the years following its cessation in 1799. The issue of human rights in France during the French Revolution evoked several responses such as the definition of natural rights, increased tolerance toward non-Catholic religions, advancement in gender equality, and universal suffrage. One of the main responses to the issue of human rights was the definition of natural right. It was determined that every person is in possession of natural rights from the moment they are born, and they may utilize these rights freely throughout their life as long as their actions did not harm …show more content…

These physical riots were the starting point of a huge intellectual movement which led to the advancement of human rights. These responses to the issue of human rights coincide with the self-proclaimed rise to power of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon wanted to appeal to the tired and weary people of France, and the growth of human rights thrived under his rule. Influenced by Enlightenment philosophers, Napoleon saw the benefit of allowing people to further their ability to prosper. The need to change how people were viewed and treated by the government originated from the corrupt government led by King Louis XVI. The king chose to impose unwelcome taxes on his Third Estate subjects without their consent or approval, imposing on their not yet defined natural rights. Therefore, the abused people of France revolted and worked to create a movement to protect themselves from a similar occurrence. This led to the conjuring of many new ideas regarding freedom and involvement in decision making which the people of France accepted and followed. The responses to the human rights issue in France during the French Revolution include the definition of natural rights, increased leniency toward non-Catholic religions, advancement in gender equality, and the establishment of universal

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