The 20th century American industrialist movement owes a great deal to Henry Ford, creator of Ford Motor Company. Transportation, work routines, and economic structures were all drastically altered as a result of his introduction of the assembly line and mass production methods, as well as the manufacturing of the groundbreaking Model T.

Ford Motor Company's Beginnings

Henry Ford started the Ford Motor Company in 1903, but it wasn't until he released the Model T that he really made an impact on the auto industry as a whole. The Model T was advertised as the car for the typical American because it was inexpensive, dependable, and durable compared to the luxury, handcrafted autos of the time.

New, Groundbreaking Manufacturing Techniques

Ford's assembly line, first in 1913, was a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. Ford used the concept of the moving assembly line, which he borrowed from the meatpacking business, to greatly speed up the production of automobiles. Because of this breakthrough, automobiles could now be manufactured in large quantities at reasonable prices, making them more affordable to the general public.

Effects on Working Conditions

Henry Ford's approach to labor was just as revolutionary as his innovations in production. Ford's Five-Dollar Day, which was implemented in 1914, essentially doubled the standard wage while cutting the working from nine to eight hours. The goal of this extreme measure was to boost production by decreasing employee turnover. And it meant that Ford's employees could finally buy the automobiles they had helped create.

Changes in Society

Ford's innovations pushed the vehicle into the mainstream, which had far-reaching effects on American culture. Suburbs were made possible because of the widespread availability and low cost of automobile travel, which altered rural and urban landscapes to accommodate them. In addition, the assembly line mode of production popularized by Ford became the norm in many American industries.