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.