Henry Ford

Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863 in Dearborn, Michigan.

Henry Ford, an American industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company, was born on July 30, 1863.

Henry Ford marries Clara Ala Bryant on April 11, 1888. This event is significant as it is believed that his wife shaped him to be the good man he became.

On November 6, 1893, Henry Ford's first and only child, Edsel Ford, is born. Henry adored his son and eventually gave him the Ford Motor Company. This is significant because Edsel later became the president of the Ford Motor Company.

On June 4, 1896, Henry Ford finished building his first car.

With financial investors attracted by his quadricycle, Henry Ford forms the Detroit Automobile Company. This marks the beginning of his journey in the automobile industry.

On November 1, 1899, Henry Ford created the Detroit automobile company, later named the Henry Ford Company, which was eventually shut down. This event is important because it was one of Ford's companies before he hit it big with the Ford Motor Company.

On October 10, 1901, Henry Ford achieved victory over Alexander Winton with his racing car, Sweepstakes, at a track in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company after the dissolution of the Henry Ford Company, which lasted four months. The innovations in manufacturing and the success of the Model T later on made Ford the leading car manufacturer in the country and one of the most successful companies in history.

On June 17, 1903, Henry Ford and a group of investors founded the Ford Motor Company, which would go on to become one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, revolutionizing the automobile industry with the introduction of assembly line production.

On January 12, 1904, Henry Ford set a world record for the mile by covering the distance in 39.4 seconds with his racing car, the 999, on the winter ice of Lake St. Clair.

Henry Ford became the President of Ford Motor Company.

On October 1, 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T, which became a huge commercial success due to its durability, flexibility, and affordability. It quickly gained popularity, and ten years later, nearly half of the Americans were driving one.

Henry Ford introduced the iconic Model T on October 1, 1908, revolutionizing the automobile industry with its affordability and mass production techniques.

Ford's Highland Park factory begins operating the first moving automobile assembly line in the world, employing about 13,000 men by the end of the year.

Ford Motor announces the $5/day wage for an eight-hour work day, replacing the previous pay rate and attracting 10,000 job seekers at Highland Park.

Henry Ford begins secretly buying hundreds of acres of farmland along the River Rouge to build what would become known as the Rouge Plant.

In 1918, the Rouge Plant produced its first products, which were Eagle Boats for the US Navy, contributing to the war effort during World War I.

On May 22, 1920, Henry Ford started publishing a controversial series of articles in The Dearborn Independent, titled 'The International Jew: The World's Problem,' which he had purchased a year and a half earlier.

The commencement of Fordson tractor production at the Rouge Plant in 1921 marked a significant expansion of the plant's manufacturing capabilities.

Ford started the production of the Ford Tri-Motor airplanes, also known as the 'Tin Goose,' which became one of the first airplanes used by America’s early commercial airlines.

On the same day as the 15-millionth Model T production, Ford announces the production of a new vehicle, the Model A, after discontinuing the Model T due to pressure from Edsel and other executives. This decision marks a major shift in Ford's automobile production.

In 1928, the iconic Ford Model T is discontinued after achieving a remarkable sales figure of over 15 million vehicles, signifying the end of an era in automobile manufacturing.

In an attempt to support his workers and mitigate the impact of the Depression, Henry Ford introduces the $7 day. However, despite his efforts, between 1929 and 1932, Ford is forced to lay off almost half of his workforce.

In 1932, Ford introduced the flathead V8 engine, which was a groundbreaking innovation. Henry Ford dedicated significant resources to this project, shutting down other production operations to engineer the first commercially successful V8 engine.

In 1933, Ford establishes the Edison Institute, later known as the Henry Ford Museum, showcasing his commitment to preserving and celebrating technological and industrial advancements.

Ford security staff violently attacks United Auto Worker (UAW) members distributing pro-union leaflets at the Rouge. The incident, famously captured by photographers, is known as 'The Battle of the Overpass.'

In April 1941, 50,000 Ford employees outside the Rouge refuse to work until Ford agrees to meet union demands for higher wages, overtime pay, and job security. Ford expresses his reluctance to give in to the union's demands.

In June 1941, Ford declares his willingness to shut down his factories rather than give in to union demands for higher wages, overtime pay, and job security. This event reflects Ford's firm stance against the union's demands.

During 1942, the production of civilian cars was halted due to the impact of World War II.

Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford and the president of Ford Motor Company, passed away on April 7, 1943.

Edsel Ford dies at 49 from stomach cancer. Henry is heavily devastated, affecting both his physical and mental condition.

Henry Ford II became the president of Ford in 1945 and later served as chairman and CEO. He implemented modern management systems with the help of the 'Whiz Kids' to transform the company into a disciplined organization.

Henry Ford dies at Fair Lane at age 83.

Ford introduced the Thunderbird, which emphasized comfort and convenience over sportiness. The car's performance, design, and distinctive porthole windows made it a classic in automotive history.

The Edsel was introduced during a recession in the United States, which led to it being considered the wrong car for the wrong time. Despite this, its highly unique styling has made it a valuable collector's car up to the present day.

In 1965, the production of the iconic Ford Mustang began at the Rouge, shaping the future of American muscle cars.

In 1966, Ford broke Ferrari's six-year winning streak at Le Mans, becoming the first American manufacturer to achieve victory in the race. This marked the beginning of Ford's four consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 to 1969 with various generations of the GT40.

Henry Ford II passes away on September 29, 1987.

In 1999, Fortune magazine named Henry Ford the Businessman of the Century, recognizing his significant impact on the business world.

Henry Ford, the American industrialist, revolutionized factory production with his innovative assembly-line methods, leaving a lasting impact on the industrial world. His contributions to the automotive industry and manufacturing processes continue to be celebrated and studied.