Final answer:
The introduction of the assembly line enabled mass production of the Model T, significantly reducing costs and increasing productivity, which led to affordable prices and unprecedented production volumes. It also allowed Ford to offer competitive wages and facilitated equal pay for workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of the Assembly Line in the Success of the Model T
The introduction of the assembly line was a turning point in manufacturing which greatly contributed to the success of the Model T. By employing a moving assembly line, Henry Ford was able to revolutionize the production process, making it more efficient by incorporating specialized labor and the use of standardized parts. Workers on the assembly line performed specific tasks repeatedly, which sped up the production time and kept costs low. The result was a dramatic increase in productivity—from 18,000 vehicles in 1909 to over a million in 1920.
Henry Ford also understood the importance of economies of scale. As production numbers rose, the cost of each Model T dropped significantly, from over $800 to under $300, making it affordable for the common man. The impressive production and lower costs meant that Ford’s workers, who were paid $5 a day — a good wage at the time — could even afford to buy the very car they helped produce.
The implementation of the assembly line was also advantageous for Ford’s competitiveness in the automobile market. In 1913, no other automaker could match the quality and price of the Model T, a testament to the effectiveness of Ford's mass production strategy. Despite the monotony and hard work the assembly line provided, it offered unique opportunities for equality and upward mobility at the time, as Ford paid all his workers equally regardless of race.