Mass Production
Making Tractors
Manufacturers implemented mass production through division of labor, assembly lines, large factories, and specialized machinery—requiring huge financial investment. Henry Ford and his engineers applied techniques developed in the automobile industry to revolutionize tractor production. Mass production lowered prices for consumers, but relegated workers to low-skill, mind-numbing jobs.
Time clock, 1915
Assembly line production meant regimentation—everyone on a shift had to work the same hours. To enforce the rules, managers made workers punch a time card.
River Rouge ID badge, late 1930s to mid-1960s
Henry Ford’s vision of capitalism was high wages, high production, low-cost goods, and high consumption. During a down cycle, Ford’s attitudes towards workers became harsh.
Many factories adopted mass production—large volume, installation of specialized machinery to reduce human labor, and the use of low-skilled workers. Labor turnover was very high.
Factory Work
The American system of factory production relied on division of labor. Workers performed specialized tasks.
