Question

Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain​

Answer 1

The message of universal rights was beset with contradictions. Many ideals in the "Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen" were not clear In their meanings, e.g., (i) "The law has the right to forbid only actions injurious to society" did not mention about criminal offences against other individuals. (ii) The declaration stated that "law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation...All citizens are equal before it". However, France became a Constitutional Monarchy, but still millions of citizens (men under the age of 25 and women) were not allowed to vote at all. This was in striking contrast to the ideals that the revolution espoused. When the Jacobins assumed power, they had very harsh policies and so the wealthier middle classes became powerful. The political instability of such regimes ultimately made Napoleon the Monarch of France.

Answer 2

Yes,I agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradiction because:-

1) Many ideals of the "declaration of rights of man and citizen" were very complicated.

2) All the focus of the "declaration of rights of man and citizen" was on equality, but a large section of the society was denied to it.

3) Women were still regarded as the passive citizens.

4) France occupied many neighbouring nations under Napoleon Bonaparte.

5) Slave trade was still going on up to the first half of the nineteenth century.

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