1900-10 The Model T

Henry Ford and his Ford Model T

Origin: The Ford Model T was known as the most influential car of the 20th century. Produced by the Ford Motor company in 1908; it was the first automobile that the public could buy. During this time, the Wright Brothers had just built the first airplane which was a great influence to the Model T. As air transportation got better, Henry Ford had taken upon himself to make an very cheap car that almost anyone could buy. Thus resulting into the Model T.

Purpose: During the time of its production, the Model T was aimed towards the people of the middle class. What was so unique about this car was that it wasn't just for one or two people but rather a whole family. On top of that different variant's of the Model T were made such as the Model T roadster which were aimed towards people who wanted a faster car. The Model T was made for faster transportation and since Henry Ford made the original Model T for the middle class, it was really affordable. This helped people traveling places farther in a much faster time rather than walking. The Model T being so affordable, the car was selling really fast. Because of the that the Model T helped many unemployed people get jobs at the Ford Motor Co. 

"I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces." -Henry Ford

Value: The Model T showed the importance of technology needed in the world. This hot selling car helped the United States in many ways. It gave many people jobs, started race clubs, and overall brought light in the world of technology. The Model T was the best expression of the 1900-10 decade because almost everyone had one of their own. From the quote said by Henry Ford, he says that his intention is to make a car that everyone could have. By succeeding he brought great value to the Ford Model T.

Limitations: The car itself cannot tell us if everyone liked it or not. Sure it was the first affordable car by everyone and is known as the most influential, it cannot tell us if others were making cars of their own to beat the Model T. Though Model T was the first car made for production; Henry Ford had slowly found his Model T some competition by the 1910s.