HENRY FORD

TUESDAY, JULY 30: BIRTHDAY OF HENRY FORD

Henry Ford was born on this day 161 years ago. He was highly creative and passionate about technology.

Automobiles produced on a production line

He created the first automobiles in Detroit in 1892. He established the Ford Motor Works in Detroit in 1903, and starting in 1908, he produced the "Tin Lizzy" car. More than 15 million of this model were sold by 1927. Ford was always interested in technical innovations. In 1913, he introduced assembly line production and ensured that cars became cheaper through rationalization and division of labour so that they were affordable for ordinary people.

A fair employer, but also an anti-Semite

Ford wanted his workers to enjoy working for him. He therefore paid high wages. However, he did not allow his workers to join a union to assert their interests.

Henry Ford was hostile towards Jews. He was anti-Semitic and wrote very ugly things about Jews.

Henry Ford became a very rich man through car production. He donated most of his wealth to good causes. Henry Ford died on April 7, 1947, in Detroit.