Subjects /U.S. History /Assignments /

AP Success - AP US History: Ford Motor Company

Henry Ford was a business trailblazer in more ways than just using the assembly line to produce cars. He also invested in his employees.

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

Short answer

Briefly identify ONE policy the Ford Motor Company used to retain workers described in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Briefly explain ONE historical trend that influenced the Ford Motor Company to make the changes described in the excerpt.

Question 3

Short answer

Briefly explain ONE way the changes described in the excerpt promoted the growth of the American middle class.

Teach with AI superpowers

Why teachers love Class Companion

Import assignments to get started in no time.

Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.

Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.

Other U.S. History Assignments

10/4: Foreign Policy in the Early Republic10/4: Foreign Policy in the Early Republic11.1 Colonial Foundations11.2 CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS (1763 – 1824)11.2 Reliability - Declaration of Independence11.2 Reliability - Declaration of Independence11.3 Reliability - Monroe Doctrine1 - 4.6 (a) Market Revolution: Society and Culture1 - 4.6 (b) Market Revolution: Society and Culture1 - 4.8 (a) Jackson and Federal Power1 - 4.8 (b) Jackson and Federal Power1 - 4.8 (c) Jackson and Federal Power14th & 15th Amendments 1865-18771920s and 30s Short Answer Practice1920s: Cultural and Political Controversies1920s Cultural Developments1920s DBQ1920s SAQ1950s conformity19th c. African American Experience DBQ19th Century Immigration and Economic Growth in the United States19th Century Industrialists: Captains of Industry or Robber Barons2000 DBQ: Organized Labor's Success in Improving Workers' Position (1875-1900)2006 AP United States History Free-Response Questions20s, 30's WWII- Essay 12.2 - Puritan Settlement of Massachusetts Bay2.3 Comparing the British Colonial Regions2.3 European Colonization - Map SAQ2.3 Geography of British Colonial Regions2 - 4.6 (a) Market Revolution: Society and Culture2 - 4.6 (b) Market Revolution: Society and Culture2 - 4.6 (c) Market Revolution: Society and Culture2 - 4.8 (a) Jackson and Federal Power2 - 4.8 (b) Jackson and Federal Power2 - 4.8 (c) Jackson and Federal Power2.5 - British and French Interactions with Native Americans2.5 Gary Nash - Red, White, and Black Excerpt2nd Dilemma--Advice to President Adams: Response to Tribute Demands3.10- American Foreign Policy (1789-1800)3.2 The Seven Years' War - Territorial Changes3.6 - Historians on women and the American Revolution3.6 - Historians on women and the American Revolution3.6- Interpretations of the American Revolution3.7(a) Articles of Confederation3.7(b) Articles of Confederation3.7 Understanding the Articles of Confederation3.7 Understanding the Articles of Confederation - Option C3.8 Articles to Consitution3.8- Founding Fathers' Leadership and the Ratification of the Constitution3.8 - Historians on the U.S. Constitution