Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.

The following democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution:

(i) Law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation, personally or through their representatives. All citizens are equal before it.

(ii)No man may be accused, arrested or detained, except in cases determined by the law.

(iii)Every citizen may speak, write and print freely; he must take responsibility for the abuse of such liberty in cases determined by the law.

(iv)For the maintenance of the public force and for the expenses of administration a common tax is indispensable; it must be assessed equally on all citizens in proportion to their means.

(v)Since property is a sacred and inviolable right, no one may be deprived of it, unless a legally established public necessity requires. In that case, a just compensation must be given in advance.

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Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.

Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?

Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the people of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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

The French Revolution

Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.