Here's a breakdown:
* Steam Engine: The steam engine was invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712. It was a revolutionary invention that harnessed the power of steam to drive machinery.
* Fulton's Contribution: Fulton's contribution was adapting the steam engine to power a boat. He built the Clermont, a steamboat that successfully navigated the Hudson River in 1807. This demonstrated the practicality of steam-powered boats and marked a major turning point in transportation.
Important Note: Fulton didn't invent the steam engine, but he refined and applied it to create a revolutionary means of water transportation. He also faced significant challenges in perfecting his design and securing funding for his project.
It's crucial to recognize that Fulton built upon the work of others, including the steam engine technology of James Watt, who made crucial improvements to Newcomen's design.
