The Assembly Line and Mass Production

Question of the Day:What are the advantages and disadvantages of assembly line production and how did this innovation transform production in the United States?

Guiding Questions:How does and assembly line work? How did the assembly line and mass production transform industry in America? Economically? What technology was needed to make the assembly line and mass production possible?

Major Features:Skilled LaborCustom ProductsSmall Scale Production

Henry Ford

MOVING ASSEMBLY LINE

• “A motor car for the great multitude”- 1907• Model T

Major Features:Mass Production

MechanizationInterchangeable PartsUnskilled LaborDivision of Labor

Efficiency and Economy

Efficiency

Production Costs

Consumer Price

Profits