Overview
This lecture covers the transformation of car manufacturing from skilled handcrafting to mass production, focusing on innovations by Henry Ford and their impact on society and workers.
Early Car Manufacturing in Britain
- Car assembly was slow, done by skilled craftsmen doing specialized tasks by hand.
- Workers took pride in their craft, and each car took weeks to finish.
- Car ownership was a luxury for the wealthy before mass production.
American Innovations and Henry Ford
- American factories set the trend for efficient car production.
- Henry Ford aimed to make simple, affordable cars for the masses (the Model T).
- Ford sought to lower costs by changing manufacturing methods.
Frederick Taylor and Scientific Management
- Frederick Taylor introduced time-and-motion studies to increase workplace efficiency.
- Taylorism broke down tasks into simple, repetitive steps, reducing the need for skilled labor.
- Workers became specialists in a single part of the production process.
The Moving Assembly Line
- Ford revolutionized manufacturing by introducing the moving assembly line in 1913.
- Cars moved past stationary workers, speeding up production.
- Conveyors delivered parts to exact stations, integrating workers into a larger machine.
Effects on Workers and the Workplace
- Work became more repetitive and pressured, with management setting the pace.
- High worker turnover occurred due to the demanding pace.
- Ford responded by doubling wages to $5 a day and introducing three shifts.
Mass Production and Its Impact
- By 1920, Detroit's population and Ford’s workforce grew rapidly.
- The River Rouge Plant integrated all stages of production, turning raw materials into finished cars efficiently.
- Over 70% of workers were immigrants, and Ford played different groups against each other to maintain productivity.
Social Changes and Consumer Society
- Workers could now afford products they made, including cars.
- Mass production led to mass consumption, expanding to other goods like furniture and appliances.
- The Model T’s success symbolized the start of a consumer-oriented American society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Assembly Line — A production method where products move past workers who each perform a specific task.
- Taylorism — Management theory promoting efficiency by breaking jobs into simple, repeatable steps.
- Mass Production — Manufacturing large quantities of standardized products efficiently.
- Model T — Ford’s affordable, simple car designed for mass production.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the concepts of assembly lines and Taylorism for further understanding.
- Reflect on the social impact of mass production and consumer culture.