Question

The Declaration of the Rights of Man, first drafted in 1789, is a fundamental document of the French Revolution. Which US document inspired it?

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence

Answer 2

Answer: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence (1776) asserted the American colonies' decision to break away from British government. It included the same Enlightenment ideals of natural rights and liberties that would characterize the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen produced later (1789) in France.

The Bill of Rights, added as amendments to the United States Constitution, also has the purpose of defending those same rights and liberties. But it did not inspire France's Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, because Frances's declaration preceded the American Bill of Rights:

• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was approved by the National Assembly of France on August 26, 1789, in the early months of the French Revolution.
• The Bill of Rights, composed of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, were approved by Congress (along with also amendments 11 and 12) on September 25, 1789, and ratified by the states as of December, 1791.