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The Industrial Revolution (late 1700s - early 1800s)
As factories grew, many workers faced terrible conditions, long hours, and low pay. This pointed out the need to protect workers and their rights, pushing for laws to help them out. During this in countries like the US and the UK, workers formed labor unions to demand fair wages and safer conditions. Their struggles helped raise awareness of human rights, leading to the creation of the UDHR in 1948, which aimed to protect the rights of all individuals, including workers. -
The American Revolution (1775 - 1783)
This was a fight for independence from British rule. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence stated that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea helped inspire the belief in human rights. The Declaration showed that everyone deserves basic freedoms, which inspired future movements for equality and justice. This fight for independence was not just about freedom from Britain; it was also about protecting the rights of all people. -
The French Revolution (1789-1799)
The French Revolution aimed to end the monarchy and promote equality. In 1789, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen declared that everyone has rights like freedom of speech and equality. This showed that people should have basic rights, influencing future movements worldwide. -
World War II and the Holocaust (1939-1945)
During World War 2, many people suffered and died because of discrimination and violence, especially during the Holocaust. The terrible events of this war made the world realize that human rights must be protected to prevent such horrors from happening again. The persecution of Jews during the Holocaust showed how dangerous hatred can be. This led to a global agreement to protect human rights, resulting in the UDHR, which aims to ensure that everyone is treated fairly. -
The Establishment of the United Nations (1945)
After World War 2, countries came together to form the United Nations in 1945. The UN aimed to promote peace and protect human rights. This led to the creation of the UDHR in 1948, which set out rights that everyone should have, no matter where they live.