Society and Industry
Major US Highways
As Americans began to own cars, it enabled suburbanization and connected the rural population. For years farmers had a stubborn dislike of automobiles, but as the T continued to drop in price, millions of Americans, including farmers, bought their first automobile.[33] This was partially due to Ford’s 1924 advertisements boasting, “Anticipation of a joyous, carefree vacation are abundantly realized when a Ford closed car provides easy access to town or country".[34] With these vacations came a need for an efficient highway system. Several organizations arose to solve this problem. The T’s popularity greatly influenced the need for gasoline and rubber for tires as both industries began to thrive. Also, Ford’s use of the assembly line impacted everything from the phonograph to the hamburger.[35] The assembly line changed not only the product, but the person who made it by replacing skilled laborers with low-skilled laborers.[36] Ford's methods were great, and industries around the world adopted, adapted and often improved the system which is why, wherever you go, you will find Ford's influence.[37]
Ford Ad in 1924
'[Ford] is one of a group of men who has helped to make the United States of America the most progressive nation in the world.' --Thomas Edison, life-long friend of Henry Ford and featured in the photograph above with Ford
