Henry Ford: Father of Mass Production
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  • Model T
    • Development of Model T- Timeline
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  • Turning Points
    • Assembly Line
    • Affordability
    • Middle Class Jobs
    • Changing Roadways and Landscape>
      • Expanding America
  • Darker Side
    • Anti-Semitism
    • Anti-Union
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    • Bill Ford
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  • Annotated Bibliography
"You lifted us out of the mud.  It brought joy to our lives." - Ford Customer

Model T Characteristics: sturdy, simple design and easy to drive.

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* Standard parts / design - made production on assembly line possible
* Four cylinder, 20 horsepower engine 
* 45 mph top speed
* 25 mpg
* Early T's started with crank handle inserted under radiator
* High clearance - good for muddy, rutted roads
* All black paint - fast drying,  simplified production
* Wheels of wood, tires of rubber
* Axles of steel, hardened with vanadium (stronger and lighter than other metals)
* Roof that folds up or down
* Windshield hinged in middle (lower half can be opened for ventilation)

                                                            Source:  Julie Ferris, Ideas That Changed the World

"A customer can have a car painted any colour they want, so long as it's black!"
 
- Henry Ford
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