Henry Ford
Saanvi Kunisetty
During the early 20th century, Ford Motors drastically impacted and affected the automobile industry. A little before the 1920s, Ford’s idea of the assembly line was implemented. The mass production that resulted due to this lowered the price of cars such as Model T cars. When Model T was first built in 1908, it sold at a little less than $1000, but by 1926, it was selling at $290. Ford also offered installment credit plans. All these actions began to make cards affordable for a wide majority of the American population, especially in comparison to before. By 1930, one in every five Americans had a car. In 1900, the US was 150th place in the automobile industry, but by 1925, it had risen to first place. A little before 1920, there was unrest in Ford’s workforce. Many workers did not like the monotonous way of the assembly line, as well as the fast-moving machinery. Ford became concerned about unionization, and decided to pay higher wages to the workers. Ford only agreed to pay the $5 if the workers followed certain rules such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco. This increased the buying power of the workers and urged them to buy the products that they were making. Ford’s business ideals, known as Fordism, greatly shaped not only the automobile industry, but all the industries of America. Many industries adopted his principles, which made a plethora of products easily available and affordable for the average American. This played a key role in America’s turning point and its industrialization. Even today, his practices are widely acknowledged and applied.
Source:
“American History Henry Ford and Fordism.” Abc-Clio.com, 2013, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1187233?terms=henry+ford&sTypeId=2. Accessed 6 Nov. 2021.
No comments:
Post a Comment