Watch American Experience: Henry Ford

American Experience: Henry Ford is a documentary film that aims to highlight the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in American history — Henry Ford. Ford was a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the automobile industry and, in turn, American society. The film takes us through the life of Ford from his humble beginnings in rural Michigan to his eventual rise to prominence as a business magnate. We see how Ford's upbringing on a farm, his early experience as an engineer, and his love for mechanics all played a role in shaping his worldview and eventually led to the founding of the Ford Motor Company.

The film does an excellent job of capturing Ford's unique personality. We see how he was a deeply flawed individual but was also highly intelligent, fiercely ambitious, and deeply committed to a vision of American society that he hoped to create. One of the key themes of the film is Ford's belief in the power of technology to transform society. Ford envisioned a world in which his cars would be affordable and accessible to everyone, which would lead to a more egalitarian society. However, his idealism was often at odds with more practical concerns, such as profitability and efficiency.

The film also highlights Ford's contributions to American society beyond just the automobile industry. For example, Ford was a major advocate of social and economic reform, and he was a major proponent of workers' rights. We see how he implemented a system of high wages and relatively short work hours for his employees, which was highly unusual for the time. We also see how Ford was a major supporter of the temperance movement and used his influence to advocate for prohibition.

Of course, the film also covers some of the darker aspects of Ford's legacy. We see how his belief in efficiency and standardization led to the development of the assembly line, which revolutionized manufacturing but also had a dehumanizing effect on many workers. We also see how Ford's anti-Semitism became increasingly pronounced as he grew older, leading to some controversial statements and actions that tarnished his legacy.

Overall, American Experience: Henry Ford is an excellent documentary that offers a thoughtful and comprehensive examination of one of the most influential figures in American history. The film does an excellent job of balancing Ford's contributions to society with his many flaws and contradictions, giving the viewer a nuanced picture of who he was and what he accomplished. Whether you're a history buff, a businessperson, or just a fan of good storytelling, this film is definitely worth checking out.

American Experience: Henry Ford is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.