Henry Ford

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A Biography of Henry Ford

Henry Ford was an American industrialist, best known for his pioneering

achievements in the automobile industry. From humble beginnings he was able to

create a company that would rank as one of the giants of American and World

industry long after his death. There is no doubt that Henry Ford was a successful

business man. The Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford's legacy, has left its mark

on every continent in the world. However, Ford didn't gain his success solely on

his innovation in the automobile industry. He was a friend to the middle class

public as well as the workers in his factories. For this he was rewarded with

financial success by the same people he looked out for. Moreover, he repeatedly

gave back to society through donations, philanthropic foundations, and the

creation of organizations that would help to educate and benefit the people.

Henry Ford was a man who gained world-wide business success through his

innovative ideas, brilliant management skills, and down-to-earth tactics.

Henry Ford was born on a farm near Dearborn, Michigan, on July 30,

1863, and educated in district schools. He became a machinist's apprentice in

Detroit at the age of 16. From 1888 to 1899 he was a mechanical engineer, and

later chief engineer, with the Edison Illuminating Company. In 1893, after

experimenting for several years in his leisure hours, he completed the construction

of his first gasoline engine. His first automobile was completed in 1896. The

body was a small crude wooden box, it had a single seat, a steering tiller, bicycle

wheels, and an electric bell on the front. In 1903 he founded the Ford Motor

Company.

At first, like his competitors, he made cars that only the wealthy could

afford. But later he came to believe that...