AP Success - AP US History: Henry Ford & Labor Innovations
Source 1
"Henry Ford Gives $10,000,000 in 1914 Profits to His Employees. Doubles Pay of 25,000 in Auto Works. The Ford Motor Co. will give to its employees during the year of 1914 the sum of $10,000,000 in addition to their wages. This will not be a wage increase, but a distribution of profits... A minimum wage of $5 a day will be established by the addition of the profit distribution to wages. The present minimum wage in the great motor car factory is $2.34... Further, the 8-hour day is instituted. At present the Ford factory has two 9-hour shifts. It now will install three 8-hour shifts, the factory working continuously. Between 25,000 and 30,000 men will benefit greatly by the profit distribution."
“Henry Ford Gives $10,000,000 in 1914 Profits to His Employees.” The Detroit Journal, 5 Jan 1914.
Question 1
What was the primary reason for Henry Ford's distribution of profits to his employees in 1914?
Question 2
How did Henry Ford's profit-sharing initiative affect the minimum wage of his employees?
Question 3
What change did Henry Ford make to the work shifts at his factory?
Question 4
Approximately how many men were expected to benefit from the profit distribution at the Ford Motor Co.?
Question 5
The actions taken by Henry Ford in 1914 can be seen as part of which broader historical trend?
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