Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
CBSE Class IX Social Science LA (5 Marks)
Answers
Yes, the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions. Though it laid emphasis on the three fundamental principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, it is a great contribution of France to the world. But philosophers like Marat and journalists such as Camike Desmoulins have cautioned not to take the different rights to the extreme since they give foul smell or taste sour.
(i) The Women challenged the Declaration of Rights for discrimination on the basis of sex.
(ii) Jean Paul Marat criticized the right to represent the people given in the Constitution as it was available to only rich; poor and oppressed were deprived of this right.
(iii) Desmoulins criticized the Reign of Terror for keeping the liberty under discipline before it attains maturity.
(iv) My right of liberty does not mean that I should finish off all my enemies.1. The message of universal rights was definitely beset with contradictions. Many ideals of the “Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen” were not at all clear. They had dubious meanings.
2. The French Revolution could not bring economic equality and it is the fact that unless there is economic equality, real equality cannot be received at any sphere. The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen laid stress on equality but large section of the society was denied to it. The right to vote and elect their representatives did not solve the poor man’s problem.
3. Women were still regarded as passive citizens. They did not have any political rights such as right to vote and hold political offices like men. Hence, their struggle for equal political rights continued.
4. France continued to hold and expand colonies. Thus, its image as a liberator could not last for a long time.
5. Slavery existed in France till the first half of the 19th century.