would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? explain. (french revolution. )
Answers
The information of universal powers was attacked with contradictions for the following reasons:
1. The "Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen" did not clearly specify the meanings of its ideas, for instance, The law has the power to forbid only actions dangerous to the community" did not explain about criminal assaults against other people.
2. The "Declaration asserted that "law is the interpretation of the common will. Every citizen has the freedom to engage in its creation...All residents are equal before it". Despite, France grew a Constitutional Monarchy, however, millions of civilians (male citizens below the age of 25 and females) were not entitled to vote at all.
3. This was in striking contradiction to the models that the revolution supported. When the Jacobin seized power, they had very harsh methods and so the affluent middle groups became influential. The legislative uncertainty of such governments eventually made Napoleon the Monarch of France.