What did James Watt improve, which provided power for the Industrial Revolution?

James Watt significantly improved the steam engine, which played a crucial role in powering the Industrial Revolution. His enhancements addressed critical inefficiencies in earlier steam engine designs, particularly by introducing a separate condenser. This innovation allowed the engine to operate more efficiently, leading to increased power output and reduced fuel consumption. As a result, steam engines became a reliable and versatile power source, enabling advancements in transportation, manufacturing, and numerous industries, thus driving the rapid industrial growth during that era.

The other options represent technologies that either came after Watt's improvements or were not central to powering the Industrial Revolution. The electric generator, for instance, became prominent in later years, while the internal combustion engine was developed after the steam engine. The water wheel, while an important early power source, did not possess the same transformative impact on industry as the steam engine enhanced by Watt.