International Relations: American and French Declarations Compared

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, examining their roles in international relations. It begins by defining international relations and its relevance to the study, setting the stage for a comparati...Read More

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Similarities and Differences between the American
Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man

Abstract
The central orientation of the proposed academic study is to make a crucial understanding
of the attributes of international relations. The term international relations can be defined as
the study of various interconnections between two or more countries on the basis of political,
economic and judicial considerations. As per the academic viewpoint, the international relation is
a relative field of either political science or global studies. Incorporation of the following field
facilitates the student with a variety of globally focused courses of humanities as well as social
sciences (Gilpin, 2016). A comprehensive discussion about various entities such as sovereign
states, inter-governmental organizations, and international non-governmental organizations,
other non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations cascade under the
attributes of international relations. In the simple context, international relations can be justified
as an academic understanding of politics as well as public policy field, which potentially helps in
understanding and analyzing the international policies of a particular nation (Baylis, Smith and
Owens, 2017).
Considering this, an imperative research study is undertaken considering the American
Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man to make edifying
understanding over all the aspects of international relations. Critical and comprehensive
evaluation of the similarities as well as differences in the American Declaration of Independence
and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man will validate the indulgent of international
relation subject (Adler, 2013). The traits of international relations are relatively associated to
diverse fields such as politics, technology, law, economics, history, demography, anthropology,
gender studies, sociology, philosophy, geography and many more. Moreover, the extent of
international relations comprehend the associations of globalization, economic development,

human security, diplomatic relations, nationalism, international security global finance and
human rights security (Onuf, 2012). Considering all the perceptions, the proposed study is
formulated to discuss, understand and incorporate the policies of international relations. The
purpose is further validated by aligning the research findings with the American Declaration of
Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man.
Introduction
The term international relation is a self-explanatory expression indicating towards the
engagement of one country with any foreign state. Initially, at the beginning of the civilized
world, maximum states of the world were mutually coupled with one another. However, with the
rise in technology and globalization, advancements in a particular state directly or indirectly
impact other countries (Mingst and Arreguín-Toft, 2013). Therefore, in the contemporary
scenario, the sates started maintaining a customary relation with the outside world to maintain
the competency factor. In order to gain a sustainable and overall development, it becomes
mandatory for a state to maintain external relations with certainty as an individual body cannot
survive the present era of competitiveness. The foremost factors, which promoted the matter of
international relations among different states, are religion, economy, industrialization,
materialistic needs, trade and other security affairs (Thompson, 2017).
In the simple context, international relation practices function as a core factor of any state
as it helps the country in dealing with the foreign world for various actions such as trade,
globalization, politics, and economy (Jackson and Sørensen, 2016). Considering these aspects,
a comprehensive discussion about the contemplations of international relation is projected in this
study. To present an enlightening and informative piece of research work, similarities and

differences between the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of
the Rights of Man are also incorporated in this study. Overall, it can be inferred that this essay is
formulated in a practical manner to discuss the concept of international relations along with the
considerations of similarities and differences of the American Declaration of Independence and
the French Declaration of the Rights of Man. Considerable analysis of the relevant academic
literature of the proposed topic will further facilitate the aim and objectives of this study.
Overview of the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the
Rights of Man
The American Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Second
Continental Congress meeting, which was held at the Pennsylvania State House/Independence
Hall in Philadelphia. The following declaration publicized that the thirteen American colonies,
which were in war with the Kingdom of Great Britain will be regarded as the thirteen
independent sovereign states of America without any rule of the British government over them.
The declaration empowered the states to formulate a collective region known as United States of
America (White, 2012). To ensure the publicized declaration, various representatives from New
Hampshire, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
North California, South California, Georgia, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, New Jersey and
Maryland were invited and on July 2, the declaration was passed and accepted without any
opposing votes. Furthermore, a committee of five officials was readily drafted for the
declaration, when Congress voted for Independence (Deloria Jr, 2010).
On another side, in the history of the French Revolution and human civil rights,
Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen of 1789 is an official document by the

National Constituent Assembly of France in the year 1789. General Lafayette and Honoré
Mirabeau are the two main bodies responsible for the drafting of this declaration (Walton, 2009).
The principal orientation behind the proposed declaration is the influence of the doctrine of
“natural rights”. The belief further elaborates that human rights are universal for everyone at all
times and at every place. Moreover, it also proceeded as the constitutions for the Fourth French
Republic (1946) as well as Fifth Republic (1958) and even active till date. The declaration was
formulated by inspiring from the Enlightenment philosophers, which further presented values to
the French Revolution and influenced the development of freedom and democracy in regions of
Europe (Lefebvre, 2015).
Similarities between the American Declaration of Independence and the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man
The American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of
Man are relatively associated to each other in various manners. Both the declarations comprise
various measures, which compliment the considerations on the basis of one another. The
foremost similarity between the American Declaration of Independence and the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man is deliberation of policies for the benefit of the people. In the
simple context, both the declarations are aligned to strategic policies, which can be transformed
later for the good of the people (Ritchie, 2014). This clearly indicates towards the government's
concern for the betterment of the population. It is also a potential similarity between both the
declarations due to the relevancy of perception. In addition to this, both the declarations are
potentially aligned to validate the individual human rights of the people. The consideration of the
American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man are
strictly formulated according to human rights. Even, according to the declarations, every

individual is guaranteed with personal human rights and no person or official can violate the
rights of other (Maier, 2012).
Another firm similarity between the American Declaration of Independence and the
French Declaration of the Rights of Man is the authority and supremacy provided to the
Governor. According to both the declarations, the governor of the state is empowered by the
influence to sanction, pass or transform any law for the betterment and development of the
population. In the simple context, governor of the state is facilitated with certain powers in both
the declarations to manage the judicial practices on personal grounds. Considering this, the
governor is assigned the superlative power to pass laws, which means all the people (Wills,
2018). Even more, the right of choosing law for every individual is also a possessed similarity
between the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of
Man. Both the declarations are flexible and compatible with human rights as they provide
complete backing for citizens to choose laws. It further generates a sense of belongingness and
relativity among the population towards the government as administration of the state is highly
concerned for the people’s development and betterment. Also, such implications promote the
relations of equality and harmony among the state because all the people are considered to be
belonging from the same ground (Wills, 2018).
In addition to this, another similarity, which relates the contemplation of the American
Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man is the operational
practices of the judicial systems. Both the declarations clearly mentioned that every individual of
the country is innocent till he/she is proved guilty by the trial by jury with certain evidence or
proof. This means that both the declarations facilitate the people by judicial facilities (Paine,
2011). The individual will remain innocent and cannot be convicted until any jury declares it as

guilty of certain evidence and proof. Such policies are imperative from the perspective of human
rights as it offers a fair opportunity to every individual to justify the imposed charges and claims.
Furthermore, both the declarations are centrally surrounded for the benefit of people; therefore, it
is considered that every individual residing in a state is born free. No obligations,
implementations, and restrictions can hinder the living of the person and also, every citizen is
free to live the life in a preferred manner. Moreover, it also states that every individual is born
free from all the barriers, which means he/she cannot be bounded in the terms of caste, religion,
race or culture. The individual is free in all aspects of living life without compromising the
judicial and law culture of the culture (Paine, 2011).
Henceforth, it is evident from the following discussions that both, the American
Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man are considerably
associated with each other in various manners. Even the perception and policies of both the
declarations are effectively allied with each other for the overall and sustainable development of
the people of the state. The primary apprehension associated with both the declarations is the
well-being of the population. In order to validate the concern, prominent policies for the living,
law, judiciary, supremacy, and rights are formulated in the declarations (Brownlie and Goodwin-
Gill, 2010). Overall, the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of
the Rights of Man are highly identical to a certain level for the good of the people.
Differences between the American Declaration of Independence and the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Apart from the similarities possessed by the American Declaration of Independence and
the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, there are many differences between them too.

Purpose of the revolution is the foremost difference between them, which differentiate the
declarations from the ground. Out of the two, one revolution was initiated against a leader,
whereas, another revolution was publicized against the entire upper-class population of the
society. Furthermore, tax regulations were further varied in both the declarations. According to
the consideration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, tax policies are not necessary and
representation is also neither legal nor illegal (Scott, 2009). Whereas, according to the
Declaration of Independence, it was strictly considered illegal. Furthermore, during the
American Revolution, the king of the state was responsible for attack over people. On another
hand, during the French Revolution, the aristocracy was least involved in the wars or other
harmful processes. Involvement of the king and other officials in the revolutionary war lead to
disruption among the citizens and population of the state. Besides, as per the American
declarations, the officials of the king were granted permission to go to any house of the state and
do whatever they wish to do. In contrary to this, the French declaration remained untouched with
any such problems (Mahoney, 2008). The administrators, as well as the officials of the French
Declaration, were assigned supervision work without any influence of the external bodies.
Another basic difference between both the declarations is their dates of publicizing. The
American Declaration of Independence was declared in the year 1776, whereas, the French
Declaration of the Rights of Men and Citizens was enacted 13 years later to it. The intention
behind the American Declaration of Independence was to gain freedom as it was believed that
the rule of British colonialism and royalty obstruct the free practices of the people. However, the
French declaration was announced against the upper-class population of the state. The principle
of the declaration was to create freedom and equality among the upper as well as lower class
people (Israel, 2014). In addition to this, American citizens wanted to escape from the tax

regulations and militant nature of the British Empire, nevertheless, French declaration was
constituted to provide recognition to the poor and working class by the upper-class citizens.
Furthermore, it was also channeled that the poor and lower class people should not be avoided
and neglected by the nobility and royalty. Thus, the American declaration was postulated to
attempt and fight for freedom, conversely, the French declaration was intended to make effective
enforcement of rules of equality. Also, the American Revolution ended in the year 1783, while,
the French revolution ended in 1799. Thus, it also matters of difference for both the declarations
(Peters, 2012).
Furthermore, the declaration of America was a projected breaking up of Britain from the
thirteen colonies. The declaration of natural rights such as freedom, life, and happiness was
strictly measured in that and also instituted the government to safeguard the laws and rights
provided to the people. The declaration sternly commanded that no government body can violate
the terms and policies of natural human rights. In case, the government is found inefficient in
protecting and safeguarding the human rights, the individual is motorized to overthrow the
existing government and make a new government (Waldron, 2014). In contrary to this, the
Declaration of the Rights of Men and Citizens was drawn from the John Locke’s idea of natural
rights, which further justified the overthrowing of the government. Both the declarations are
found identical in terms of inspiration or ideas and similar language, still, a vast difference of
perception and attributes lies in between both the declarations. Overall, considering the
declaration of America, it was programmed in a manner to create a separate and independent
government. The communities under the British rule got tired from the operational strategies of
Great Britain. Nevertheless, the declaration of France was presented to redefine current
government. The people working in France at lower designations had no rights and government

was even unfair about it. The objective of the declaration was to fix the traditional policies of the
government without breaking from it. The declaration of America emphasized freedom and
making independent government for self. Whilst, the declaration of France was more aligned
with freedom and fairness of the people (Nash, 2009).
Thus, the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the
Rights of Man posses numerous difference among them. Though, both the revolutions initiated
with the similar purpose for the betterment and overall development of the citizens. Despite,
there are various differences between them. It can be inferred that regardless of the central idea
of initiation, the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights
of Man are diverse in nature, operation and outcome.
Conclusion
On the basis of aforementioned discussions, it can be concluded that international
relations deal with the association of a country with the outside world. It helps in maintaining a
considerable association with the outside world. Along with this, it will also facilitate the state in
remaining updated with the contemporary ongoing of the external world. Overall, attributes of
international relations generate a sense of connectivity for the country with the world across the
geographical boundary. Considering this aspect, a research study is undertaken to make a crucial
understanding of the international relations. Furthermore, to validate the proposed objective, a
comprehensive evaluation of similarity and differences between the American Declaration of
Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man is also incorporated in the study.
The American revolution was initiated to escape from the British rulers, however, the French
revolution was started to bring equality and freedom for the lower-class citizens of the state.

Along with this, the following research study has discussed all the aspects of international
relations in detail. Moreover, to make the assignment more informative, an overview of the
American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man is also
discussed. Afterward, a detailed and crucial analysis of the American Declaration of
Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man is made in the essay to present
enlightening research content. The following section discussed all the dealings of both the
declarations. Furthermore, a critical and comprehensive study of the similarities and differences
of both the declarations is considered in this research study, which justified the objectives and
aim of this assignment to a great extent. Even more, the findings and outcomes of the following
section are relatively necessary as it is purposeful insight in this essay. Overall, it can be
concluded that the formulation of this research study has potentially justified the aim of this
essay. In addition to this, the discussions, arguments, and findings of this study is a significant
piece of academic research for the upcoming and aspiring research in the domain of international
relations.

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