Henry Ford

Date of Birth: July 30, 1863

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 7, 1947

Biography

Henry Ford was an American industrialist and business magnate, best known for founding the Ford Motor Company and revolutionizing the automobile industry with assembly line production. Born on a farm in Greenfield Township, Michigan, Ford had a natural aptitude for mechanics and engineering from a young age. He initially worked as an engineer for the Edison Illuminating Company before founding Ford Motor Company in 1903. His introduction of the Model T in 1908 and the development of the moving assembly line in 1913 were transformative, making automobiles affordable for the average American and significantly boosting industrial productivity. Ford’s business practices and innovations laid the foundation for modern mass production and consumerism. He was also known for his controversial views and writings, particularly his anti-Semitic publications in the early 1920s, which marred his legacy. Despite this, his contributions to industry and manufacturing are monumental.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Ford

1. Henry Ford introduced the $5 workday in 1914, doubling the wages of many of his workers and setting a precedent for fair wages in the industry.

2. The Ford Model T, affectionately known as the “Tin Lizzie,” was the first automobile mass-produced on moving assembly lines with completely interchangeable parts.

3. Ford was an advocate for “Fordism,” which is the mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers.

4. He was instrumental in the development of the modern suburban landscape, as the affordability of his cars allowed people to live farther from their workplaces.

5. Ford was a pacifist and opposed America’s involvement in World War I, going so far as to fund a peace ship that sailed to Europe in an attempt to negotiate peace.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Ford

1. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

2. “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

3. “Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain.”

4. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

5. “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Henry Ford’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 billion in today’s dollars, making him one of the richest people in history.

Children

Henry Ford had one child, Edsel Ford, who was born on November 6, 1893. Edsel succeeded his father as the president of Ford Motor Company and was instrumental in the development of several notable Ford models, including the Lincoln.