Final answer:
James Watt developed a more efficient steam engine in 1765, which became commercially successful in 1776 after he partnered with Michael Boulton. The engine's ability to convert reciprocal motion to rotary motion revolutionized industry and transport, contributing substantially to the Industrial Revolution. Watt's legacy includes the term 'horsepower' and the unit of power, the watt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Important Events in James Watt's Life
One of the most crucial events in James Watt's life was his development of an improved steam engine in 1765. This invention was a milestone that significantly enhanced the efficiency of the steam engine compared to its predecessors. Watt's work reduced fuel consumption and operational costs, leading to widespread commercial success after his partnership with Michael Boulton, with the first commercial engine being installed in 1776. By 1781, Watt had developed an engine capable of rotating motion, revolutionizing factory machinery and empowering the Industrial Revolution. This innovation not only transformed the transportation sector but also accelerated the production of goods and overall industrial productivity.
James Watt’s legacy includes the widespread adoption of his steam engine design, inspiring the term 'horsepower' to quantify its capabilities, and ultimately transforming an economy that was once manual-labor intensive. The unit of power, the watt, was also named in his honor, forever associating Watt with the enormous power and energy that drove the Industrial Revolution.