Answer :
Final answer:
The Wright brothers made critical technological advancements by applying the scientific method to aeronautics, notably in aircraft control. Their legacy is marred by patent battles, but they nevertheless laid the foundation for modern aviation and its continued innovation in America.
Explanation:
The narrator of history develops the viewpoint that the Wright brothers made significant advancements in technology by highlighting their application of the scientific method to control structures for their successful airplane inventions. Despite having no formal education in engineering or science, they brought substantial technical experience from their bicycle shop and used that knowledge to experiment and refine the principles of flight.
In Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, between 1900 and 1903, the Wrights began testing and improving their designs, discovering that long, narrow wings provide more lift and creating a new system for controlling flight with ropes, pulleys, and a cradle under the pilot's body. Their invention was not only about being airborne but about controlled maneuverability, which was unique at that time. They emphasize the control mechanisms, such as the method to bank wings and use a vertical rudder for turns, which were pivotal in the development of aviation technology and were recognized in their patent application.
However, their dedication to defending their patent rights distracted from further improvements and allowed European aviation to advance rapidly. Notably, their court battle with Glenn Curtiss and subsequent aviation developments set America on the path to becoming a major player in the airplane industry, later cementing its position with innovations that led to modern aircraft like the Boeing 777.