h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Henry Ford - A87773179
Author: shagbark - U170775

Henry Ford automotive pioneer and father of the assembly line. He was creator of the Model T Ford. His life is chronicled here.

Hi Shagbark. I don't know a great deal about Henry Ford, and I'd expect some of your compatriots to review the detail, but I think you've done a grand job here. I especially like the way you've mentioned his global legacy - the assembly line - which has benefitted all of mankind.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this one illustrated with one of those wonderful library pictures that Dmitri has a knack of finding

I'm sure we can dig one up. He was pretty famous, that man.

I love your comment about how people did still manage to be born during the Civil War. Good job, here, on Fordism and the assembly line. People remember the assembly line, but forget how much his approach shaped the way people lived and worked.

I wonder if you want to mention the 'Dearborn Independent'? Just a thought.

I don't suppose Ford's views on reincarnation are a must-read, but I always found them amusing.

Didn't he think he was descended from or a re-incarnated pharoh? I am sure this would have amused his striking workers!

The "Dearborn Independent" did figure prominently in one of the reference books, and probably also in the
autobiography. I suppose I should try and work it in.
I think I will skip the reincarnation issue.

In the section on Fordism after the 1916 Presidential race I have injected information about the Dearborn Independent.

Looks good to me.

Just a note;

>Collecting evidence of American history became one of his passions

I believe he was involved in the restoration of several historic sites, one I am familiar with is Fort McAllister Historic Park

http://gastateparks.org/item/120698

Where Sherman (the SOB) completed his march to the sea.

FS

noted

Any more suggestions?

Yes.
Coincidentally, there was a UK television programme the other night that mentioned Fordlandia, a concept of which I hadn't heard before. It was quite a fascinating story which ties in with the production line concept. I would think it would be worth a mention.

Deke.

Nice entry however there was more to the German connection ( http://voices.yahoo.com/henry-fords-disturbing-link-nazi-germany-1332859.html --- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Ford ) that perhaps needs a mention in the interest of balance.

I've hunted, but I don't know if the claim that Henry Ford actually financed the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 can be substantiated. But it appears to be true that Hitler kept a picture of Ford around, and that the NSDAP boasted, at least, that Ford supported them, so it might be worth looking into.

Maybe this would help:

http://www.naderlibrary.com/seldes.factsfascism9.htm

according to "Henry Ford and the Jews" In 1923 a prominent nazi travelled to Michigan and met with Ford to request financing and was refused. He returned to Germany empty handed and when WWII started Ford told someone that he had never financed them.

I think maybe a couple sentences on how ford was perceived as being a Fascist with footnote on Fascism might help. Do we have a h2g2 article on Fascism?

Try this one: A2654778

Link added and Section on Fordism expanded.

I think you've integrated the discussion there. I like that you've balanced both fascist and communist reactions to fordism - that puts it in context, I believe.

The 'any color so long as it's black' reference is still a little unclear; Model Ts started out painted various colours in 1908, and it was only in 1914 that the "any color so long as it is black" policy was finally implemented.

any color as long as it is black is a forum post. I dealt with this in footnote 1. If you think the footnote could be improved, why not suggest a repacement.