American Revolution:
• Intellectual Influences: The American Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, which prioritized reason, individual liberty, and natural rights. Philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Paine played significant roles in the development of these principles.
• Economic and Political Factors: Key factors included taxation issues and the desire for greater self-governance from British rule. The grievances of the colonists stemmed from practical matters rather than scientific theories.
French Revolution:
• Enlightenment Philosophies: The French Revolution emerged partly from Enlightenment ideas, with major influences coming from Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. These thinkers criticized the existing political and social systems, but their writings were more closely tied to political philosophy rather than scientific advancements.
• Socio-economic Disparities: The revolution in France was largely driven by social inequality, economic crises, and a growing demand for political representation and social justice. These factors were rooted in the social and political context of the time.
In summary, while Isaac Newton made profound scientific contributions, the American Revolution and the French Revolution were the results of complex political, social, and economic forces, not directly linked to Newton's work.