The event considered the start of modern democracy in France is the French Revolution, which began in 1789. This revolution challenged the absolute monarchy and the traditional social order, paving the way for the establishment of democratic ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Revolution saw the rise of popular sovereignty, where the power rested with the people rather than a monarch. The subsequent Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen became a foundational document, asserting individual rights and fostering democratic governance. Its influence extended beyond France, inspiring movements across Europe and the Americas.