The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is a fundamental document from the French Revolution, adopted in 1789. It outlines the individual and collective rights of all citizens, emphasizing principles such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. The declaration asserts that all men are born free and equal in rights, and it serves as a cornerstone for modern human rights. This document was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers and aimed to establish a framework for a democratic society. It also inspired various movements for civil rights and democracy around the world, reinforcing the idea that governments should protect the rights of individuals, as seen in later documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.