Henry Ford: A Man of the Century Essay

Ford, as he made accomplishments throughout his career. From life all the way to death Ford was always looking for ways to improve. When Ford made the Model A, that was the best there was! People were jumping around trying to figure out how they could get one and the people that actually got it done were so satisfied with the vehicle that Ford decided he could start to mass produce the thing. Theeeennnn, well, then along came the assembly line that could produce thousands of cars in a week. The Assembly Line a way of assembling things that made it go much faster. It worked like a belt drive on a car, moving the parts down the line to every station. Every station had a few people working at it that had a specific job to

     When you think about Ford, an automobile will usually come to mind. Most people don’t think about the man behind that name, Henry Ford. Henry Ford was the man responsible for the Ford Motor Company (FMC). He was also the creator of the invention that changed the mass production industry, the assembly line. As you read on you will learn about Henry Ford’s life, the FMC, and the assembly line.

Henry Ford decided to take the risk of pursuing his dream of machines when he left the family farm in 1879 to work at a car company in Michigan. He believed he had more of an interest in machines than he did in farming, but his father thought differently. Ford’s father wanted him to follow his footsteps on the farm, but unfortunately, it did not turn out in his

Henry's dream of the automobile started with the production of his first auto, on June fourth 1896, the primitive auto was named the quadracycle. Not exactly a modern auto the Quadracycle was reminiscent to a babbycarrige on bicycle wheels but was a start to Ford's empire and the development of the automobile for the people. Many saw Henry's potential and helped him to find a successor to the Quadracycle; one such person was the Mayor of Detroit, William Mayburg who provided financial support to Ford to continue his research. Generous investors such as this and the help of four investors donating 10,000 dollars each led to the official founding of the Ford Motor Co. in 1901.

The son of a farmer, Henry Ford was born near Detroit, Michigan to William Ford and Mary Ligot. Since his teens Ford has always been interested in tinkering and finding out how things worked. “At the young age of 15, he dissolved and reunited the timepieces of neighbors and friends many times and gained a status of a watch repairman.”(The Famous People) Ford started to get a lot of experience through servicing and working machines. “His father wanted him to take over the family farm over the course of time but he denied telling his father that he loved the farm just because his mother was there. In 1879, Ford left home and started working as an amateur machinist in Detroit city.” (The Famous People) He denies the opportunity to seek for something better and later on, Ford would start to work for the Westinghouse Company servicing steam

In 1908 Henry Ford had constructed the Model T; the time it took him to create this automobile was 13 days. Now eager to achieve more, Ford knew that he needed a place to construct these cars. He also knew that to sell mass amounts he would have to sell cheap, and buy parts and supplies even cheaper (Douglas, 25). The construction of the first Ford Motor plant used the world’s only conveyer belt. This was part of the Fords plan to build fast, when he constructed the assembly line cars were pumped out in as fast as 15 minuets, this was down from 19 days. Ford was able to make the automobile a car for everyman, a working man with a family.

In the 1913’s Henry Ford invented the assembly line that was the turning point in the United States and the automobile industry. The purpose of the assembly line was to make production faster and cheaper. The assembly line was so successful that it had a tremendous effect on automobile industry because it helped save time and money. For instance before

Henry Ford was a huge factor towards the progression of automobiles. He has done some great things towards the business and the world wouldn’t be the same without him. He made many great inventions in his lifetime. Some of them progressed into widely used inventions that people use on a daily basis, while a few died off into the abyss. While some of them weren’t used for long, a few of them are still being used today to make automobiles.

The assembly line Ford created for the production of the Model T had never been used in vehicle production. His invention made the production process fast and easy to mass produce the vehicle in a factory. The parts were forged and created for each section of the car and placed in a kit for the factory workers to have available to assemble each part of the car as it moved from station to station. As production of the Model T progressed they were able to

Smith showed steel, and Mr. Ford thought it would be good for his car. Henry begins experimenting with home built gasoline internal combustion engines. Ford spent his irregular hours on his efforts to build a gasoline-powered horseless carriage, or automobile. Then, Henry started to think of good for his invention. Ford, driving his own car, beats Winton in an automobile race, attracts investors who form Henry Ford C.O. Ford overtakes Olds, Buick and Cadillac combined to become Number One automaker in U.S., a position it holds for 20 years; Henry Ford becomes company President and majority owner. Ford Motor C.O. founded by Malcolm’s son group, Model A produced in rented Mack Ave. plant. Ford incorporated the Ford

These early automobiles were loud, uncomfortable, and often dangerous, but that didn’t stop the dreamers and innovators from pushing forward. Henry Ford was one such visionary. He knew early on the automobile industry was going to change America. He strategically positioned himself to be at the forefront of this new invention sweeping the nation.

Henry Ford passion and interest in the field of engineering and mechanics lead to creation of Ford motor. First step by Henry Ford in this regard was the development of automotive mechanic in 1899. In 1899 he founded the Detroit automobile company. After this first step by him he established Ford motor in 1903. At the time of creation of Ford motor there already exists 87 different companies with different brands in US. Henry Ford established Ford motors with a new and different vision. That differentiate vision was the cultural impact of automobiles on the society. He came with this idea and position the brand in this way to differentiate Ford from existing brands. He positioned the brand by convincing consumers that car is an affordable item than a luxury one. He entered into market with a strategy of mass production, improved and use of latest technology, effective supply chain and changing life style. He introduced the motto “Help the other fellow” which creates a friendly working environment among the employees and motivates employees to implement the concept of team work (Ford.com, 2014)

Henry Ford was an engineer from Detroit, Michigan who had an idea. By 1902, Ford had attempted several times to produce a gas powered vehicle, but with little capital, he realized that his attempts were futile. Ford approached a man by the name of Alexander T. Malcomson about the possibility of manufacturing an automobile. Malcomson, a friend of the family and wealthy coal merchant was reluctant at first but finally agreed with Ford, and decided to assit Ford financially with his endeavor. With Malcomsons investment and Ford's engineering skills a partnership was formed and in mid June of 1903, papers of incorporation for the Ford Motor Company were filed in Dearborn, Michigan.

Henry Ford was the world’s most influential leader. From founding one of the worlds most successful car companies, to having a major influence on WWI, he has profoundly shaped the 20th century and left an impact on every single one of our lives. Although Mr. Ford is considered one of the wealthiest and most commonly known people in the world, Ford was founded by his hard work and dedication to supply a perfect product. At one point half the cars on the road worldwide were his famous model-t. As the company expanded he slowly began to make Ford more independent, such as purchasing acres of land for wood, purchasing land for rubber trees, and even having his own line of specialty glass blowers. Mr. Ford strived to give his customers the best deal possible, constantly finding ways do drop the price of his cars so they could be available to all. He has risen the standards not only in business but in the innovative world as well. Overall it is safe to say Henry Ford embodies success and has given the American Dream a new definition, he has truly inspired us all.

A man that went by the name of Henry Ford, once said, “I invented nothing new. I simply assembled the discoveries of other men behind whom were centuries of work…” The Ford Motor Company is an American continental automobile maker founded by Henry Ford on June 16, 1903. During the 1920s, this firm marketed automobiles that were reliable, low-cost, easy-to-operate and easier-to-fix device for the masses (Rise of the Automobile). In addition, the Ford Motor Company led the world into the expansion and refinement of the assembly line; revolutionizing our society to greater heights through its mobile products. Meanwhile, the company’s contributions benefited society through the means of the renovation of the suburbs and the invention of new services. Like no other during the 1920s, the Ford Motor Company supplied to the boom of innovations; marking its footprint to a superior society.