10 fun and interesting Henry Ford facts

1. Henry Ford's Controversial Book Sparked Outrage and Condemnation

Henry Ford, the renowned American industrialist, was responsible for the publication of a highly controversial book entitled "The International Jew". This book contained a series of antisemitic texts which sparked outrage and condemnation from many quarters. Ford's book was seen as a major setback in the fight against anti-Semitism and was widely criticized for its inflammatory and offensive content.

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2. Career changer

Henry Ford had no interest in taking over the family farm when he got older, despite the fact that it was expected of him. He found the work tedious and unfulfilling, and instead chose to pursue a career in engineering and manufacturing. This decision would eventually lead to the founding of the Ford Motor Company, and his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the automobile industry.

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3. Henry Ford's company supplies weapons during World War 1

Henry Ford's company in the United Kingdom was a major supplier of weapons during World War 1, providing a crucial contribution to the war effort. Rather than the usual farm equipment that the company was known for, they shifted their focus to producing weapons such as rifles, machine guns, and ammunition. This allowed them to make a significant impact on the war, and their contribution was highly valued by the Allied forces.

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4. Henry Ford's Senate Run a Success

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson saw the potential in Henry Ford and asked him to run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. Ford accepted the challenge and ran a close race, coming within a few votes of winning the seat. Despite not winning, Ford's campaign was a success, showing the nation the power of his leadership and vision.

Also → Ford trucks are easily recognizable by their iconic nameplate

5. Henry Ford's Vision for a Unified World

Henry Ford was a firm believer in the power of international peace, and so opened plants in other countries in order to build his vehicles without relying on foreign trade. He believed that by doing this, he could help to foster peace between nations and create a more unified world. His plants were located in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, and he was committed to creating a global network of production and trade.

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6. Thousands pay respects to Henry Ford

On May 9, 1947, thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to the late Henry Ford. Up to 5,000 people per hour lined up to view his casket during the public viewing of his funeral. The outpouring of love and admiration for the man who revolutionized the automobile industry was evident in the sheer number of people who came to honor him.

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7. Henry Ford Unfit for Presidency

In 1943, Henry Ford was appointed president of the Ford Motor Company following the death of the previous president, but the board members deemed him unfit for the role. They argued that he was not capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. Despite his impressive accomplishments in the automotive industry, the board members felt that he lacked the necessary qualifications to lead the company.

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8. Early Advocate of Smoking Prevention

In 1914, Henry Ford published a book called "The Case Against the Little White Slaver" which highlighted the potential dangers of smoking, even though at the time there was no scientific evidence to suggest that smoking was unhealthy. Ford's book was ahead of its time, as it was not until decades later that the medical community began to recognize the health risks associated with smoking.

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9. Henry Ford inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame

Henry Ford was an avid fan of racing, and in the early days of the sport, he entered stripped-down Model T's into races. His passion for the sport was recognized in 1996 when he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, an honor that acknowledged his contributions to the racing world. Ford's involvement in racing helped to popularize the sport and his legacy continues to live on in the racing world today.

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10. Henry Ford's Influence on Adolf Hitler Was Immortalized in Mein Kampf

Henry Ford, the iconic American industrialist, was the only American mentioned in Adolf Hitler's infamous book Mein Kampf. Hitler was so inspired by Ford's work that he even reported it to the Detroit News. Ford's influence on Hitler was so great that it was immortalized in the pages of Mein Kampf, a book that has become synonymous with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Ford's legacy is one of innovation and progress, but it is also one that is forever linked to the dark history of Nazi Germany.