What is the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

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What is the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

The main difference between the Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is their respective contexts and goals.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the American colonies in 1776, was a document that declared their separation from British rule and established the United States as an independent nation. It focused on asserting the natural rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and emphasized the right to self-governance and the consent of the governed. The Declaration of Independence was primarily concerned with political independence and the establishment of a new government.

On the other hand, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted during the French Revolution in 1789. It aimed to address the social and political inequalities that existed in France at the time. The French declaration emphasized the principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity, and sought to establish a more egalitarian society. It focused on the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of social class, and called for the abolition of feudalism and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

In summary, while both declarations share some common themes of individual rights and freedoms, the Declaration of Independence primarily focused on political independence and self-governance, while the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen aimed to address social and political inequalities and establish a more egalitarian society.