Another problem arose later: the Assignat – the paper money issued by the State – collapsed. Poverty increased, which meant that the Directory lost popular support. Corruption became the rule at the summit of the State: everybody stole. To retain power, the regime leant more and more on the forces of arms. It was one of these which was to put right the situation. In 1799 General Napoléon Bonaparte seized power during a coup d`Etat. That was the end of the revolution. Despite this, the Revolution constituted a significant event in the history of the world. It inspired, for good or ill, other movements. The adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man by the Assembly was an important symbolic act for the defenders of liberty. It could be compared with the adoption of Habeas Corpus by the British Parliament, or the creation by Congress of the American Constitution.