Henry Ford: Tin Lizzie Tycoon

• Dearborn, MI
• Model T
• V-8 Engine
• mass production
• tin lizzy

1. Describe Henry Ford's early years and his involvement in the Detroit Automobile Company. Why didn't the Detroit Automobile Company succeed for long?

2. How was Ford able to build up production to satisfy demand? How was production made more efficient? How did this efficiency effect costs?

3. How did mass production effect laborers? How did Ford solve these problems? Was this an ordinary solution at the time?

4. How did Ford help the war effort during World War I and World War II? Besides helping war efforts, what were some of Ford's efforts outside of car manufacturing?

5. Why did Ford buy all the stock in the Ford Motor Company? How did this move effect the company?

6. What was the Rouge River Plant? What happened here during the Great Depression? Why did this happen? How did the Ford Plant change after the Great Depression? How and why did labor relations change?

7. What was Germany's Grand Cross? For what reason did Ford receive this so-called honor?

8. How did General Motors transform the automobile industry? How did these changes affect the Ford Motor Company?

9. How did Andy Dewer change labor history at the Ford Motor Company? Why and how did Ford resist becoming involved with labor unions? Give an example of this resistance. How was this conflict resolved?

10. Describe the controversy between Henry Ford and his successors. Why was it so difficult for Ford to relinquish control over the Ford Motor Company?

1. Make a chart of 5-7 characteristics that Henry Ford possessed which contributed to his success in life. In this chart, define each quality and give an example of Ford's behavior that illustrates each characteristic. Do you share any of these characteristics? If so, which ones?

2. Look at the first Model A, Model B, Model T, the second Model A and the V-8 automobiles. Choose two and compare and contrast the automobiles. What are their differences and similarities? For whom were these cars designed? Describe any special features of each car designed to satisfy the customer. What year did these cars go on the market and how much did they cost? Draw a picture or diagram of each car to help illustrate your ideas.

3. In what ways was Ford a hero to the common man in his early years? Was Ford a hero to the common man in his later years? Why or why not? Was Ford in tune with the life of the common man throughout his own life? Explain your position in a 5 paragraph essay using examples to support your ideas.

4. How did Henry Ford change the face of industry and manufacturing in the United States? Choose an industry or business that exists today and give an oral presentation explaining examples of Ford's influence.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• June 07, 2004
• November 30, 2004