What made the American "Declaration of Independence" document - and later the French counterpart of the "Declaration of the Rights of Man" - so radically influential in
the late 18th century?
1. It was the first time a group of subjects challenged the absolute authority of a king and
ultimately obtained their independence. The French case also echoed that challenge against
established rule of absolute monarchy.
2. It constituted the first instance where propaganda was used to rally the people behind a cause
for change. These documents were pamphlets that were circulated among the populace, but
nothing more after the revolution.
3. It was a popular call for support of the status quo in the form of absolute monarchy - through
King George III in England and King Louis XIV in France. The people sought to reinforce their
monarchs' powers in order to protect their country from foreign invasion.