Henry Ford
1863-1947 · American · Industrial Era
Known for: Democratized the automobile with the Model T and assembly line
Henry Ford perfected the automobile and assembly line, revolutionizing manufacturing. The Model T (1908-1927) put America on wheels—15 million built. He doubled wages to $5/day in 1914, creating a middle class that could buy his cars.
Virulently antisemitic, publishing 'The International Jew' and earning Hitler's admiration. Folksy, stubborn, nearly destroyed his company by refusing to update the Model T.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.