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 definitely beset with contradictions. Many ideals of the “Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen” were not at all clear. They had dubious meanings.
• 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.
• 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.
• France continued to hold and expand colonies. Thus, its image as a liberator could not last for a long time.
• Slavery existed in France until the first half of the 19th century.