Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 vs. Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793

Attribute	Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789	Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793
Year of Declaration	1789	1793
Authorship	Adopted by the National Constituent Assembly	Adopted by the National Convention
Number of Articles	17	35
Focus	Individual rights and freedoms	Emphasized social rights and duties
Role in French Revolution	Symbolized the principles of the Revolution	Reflected the radical phase of the Revolution

Introduction

The Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen, or Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, is a fundamental document in the history of human rights and civil liberties. It was first adopted in 1789 during the French Revolution and then revised in 1793. These two versions of the declaration have some similarities but also notable differences in their content and emphasis.

Historical Context

The Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 was drafted during a time of political upheaval in France. The French Revolution was in full swing, and the people were demanding greater rights and freedoms from the monarchy. The declaration was seen as a way to establish the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the new French Republic. On the other hand, the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793 was written during a more radical phase of the revolution, known as the Reign of Terror. This period was marked by extreme violence and the rise of the Jacobin government led by Maximilien Robespierre.

Similarities

Both versions of the declaration emphasize the importance of individual rights and freedoms. They both affirm the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity as essential to a just society. Additionally, both declarations assert the rights of citizens to participate in government and to hold their leaders accountable. They also condemn arbitrary and oppressive forms of government that violate the rights of the people.

Differences

One key difference between the two declarations is their treatment of property rights. The Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 includes a provision stating that property is an inviolable and sacred right. This reflects the influence of Enlightenment ideas on private property and individual ownership. In contrast, the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793 does not mention property rights explicitly. This omission may be due to the more radical and egalitarian nature of the 1793 declaration, which sought to prioritize the collective good over individual interests.

Another notable difference between the two declarations is their treatment of religion. The Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 includes a provision guaranteeing freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. This reflects the Enlightenment principle of religious tolerance and the rejection of religious authority in government. In contrast, the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793 does not mention religion at all. This may be a reflection of the more secular and anti-clerical sentiments of the Jacobin government at the time.

Impact

Despite their differences, both versions of the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen have had a lasting impact on the development of human rights and civil liberties around the world. The principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity articulated in these declarations have inspired countless movements for social justice and political reform. They have served as a foundation for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 and Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen de 1793 are both important documents in the history of human rights. While they share some common principles, such as the importance of individual rights and freedoms, they also have significant differences in their treatment of property rights and religion. Despite these variations, both declarations have had a profound impact on the development of human rights and continue to inspire movements for justice and equality around the world.