Henry Ford: A Detailed Biography

Henry Ford (1863–1947) transformed the 20th century by making the automobile affordable to the masses and inventing modern mass production. Founder of the Ford Motor Company, creator of the Model T, and pioneer of the $5 workday, he also became notorious for antisemitic publications. This biography covers his Michigan farm childhood, revolutionary assembly line, labour innovations, dark views, and lasting legacy, as documented by the The Henry Ford Ford, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and the PBS American Experience.

Early Life and Mechanical Talent

Farm Boy in Dearborn

Born on July 30, 1863, on a farm in Springwells Township (now Dearborn), Michigan, Ford hated farm work but loved machines. At 16 he walked to Detroit to work as a machinist apprentice, as documented by the The Henry Ford.

The Road to the Model T

Founding Ford Motor Company

After two failed car companies, Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 with $28,000 from investors. The breakthrough came in 1908 with the Model T — rugged, cheap ($850, later $260), and available “in any colour so long as it’s black.”

Mass Production Revolution

The Moving Assembly Line (1913–1914)

At Highland Park plant, Ford’s engineers introduced the continuously moving assembly line. Chassis time dropped from 12½ hours to 93 minutes, making the Model T the first car produced in the millions, as detailed by the Ford Corporate History.

The $5 Workday (1914)

On January 5, 1914, Ford announced $5 for an 8-hour day — roughly double the industry average. Turnover plummeted, productivity soared, and workers could now afford the cars they built. It helped create America’s consumer middle class, as noted by the History.com.

Peace Ship and Antisemitism

In 1915 Ford chartered the “Peace Ship” to end World War I — a well-meaning failure. From 1920–1927 he published the weekly newspaper The Dearborn Independent, distributing vicious antisemitic articles and the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Under pressure he issued a forced apology in 1927 and closed the paper, as documented by the PBS and the Smithsonian Magazine.

Later Years and River Rouge

The massive River Rouge complex (completed 1928) became the world’s largest integrated factory. Ford resisted unions until 1941, when the UAW finally organised his plants after violent clashes.

Personal Life

Ford married Clara Bryant in 1888; they had one son, Edsel (1893–1943). Henry outlived Edsel and handed control to grandson Henry Ford II in 1945.

Death and Legacy

Henry Ford’s Enduring Impact

Ford died of a cerebral haemorrhage on April 7, 1947, at age 83 in Dearborn. His assembly-line methods reshaped global manufacturing, and the Model T put the world on wheels. Despite his dark views on race and labour, his innovations created the modern industrial age, as celebrated by the The Henry Ford Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Ford

Why Is Henry Ford Famous?

For the Model T, moving assembly line, and $5 eight-hour workday — making cars and middle-class life affordable.

What Was the Model T?

The first mass-produced affordable car (1908–1927); over 15 million sold.

Where Was Henry Ford Born?

Dearborn, Michigan, July 30, 1863.

What Was the $5 Workday?

Doubling wages to $5 for 8 hours in 1914 — a revolutionary move.

Was Henry Ford Antisemitic?

Yes — he published vicious antisemitic content 1920–1927.

Did Henry Ford Invent the Assembly Line?

No — he perfected the moving assembly line in 1913–1914.

How Did Henry Ford Die?

Cerebral haemorrhage on April 7, 1947, aged 83.