The American Revolution’s Overlooked Influence? Physics. How 'Common Sense' Spelled Out Astronomical Expectations for a New Nation
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The American Revolution was influenced by physics, particularly Isaac Newton's theories, as seen in Thomas Paine's manifesto 'Common Sense'. Paine's work envisioned America as a separate entity from Britain, using astronomical imagery to argue for independence. The founders of the United States drew on this notion to build a new system of government, mirroring the equality and balance they saw in the heavens.
- ▪Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' was a radical pamphlet that argued for American independence from Britain, selling 120,000 copies in three months.
- ▪Paine's work was influenced by Isaac Newton's theories, using astronomical imagery to describe America as a separate entity from Britain.
- ▪The founders of the United States drew on this notion to build a new system of government, mirroring the equality and balance they saw in the heavens.
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The American Revolution’s Overlooked Influence? Physics. How ‘Common Sense’ Spelled Out Astronomical Expectations for a New Nation The manifesto leaned heavily on Isaac Newton’s theories in making a case for independence, and fellow founders drew on the notion to build a new system of government By Jo Marchant Illustration by Ibrahim Rayintakath Summer 2026 ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source After Isaac Newton, above, revolutionized celestial mechanics, admirers such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Paine, left, saw in Newton’s natural laws a model for democratic self-government.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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