Final answer:
The concept of quality has evolved from the early 20th century to today, with greater emphasis on quality control, consumer protection, and regulation. Early mass production prioritized quantity over quality, whereas modern manufacturing values safety, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of quality was significantly different in the early 20th century compared to how we perceive it today, especially in the context of manufacturing and consumer goods. In the early 1900s, mass production was booming with the success of assembly lines, as famously used by Ford in manufacturing automobiles. However, increased production did not necessarily equate to better product quality. There was little regulation, and consumers often lacked information on the content and safety of the products they purchased.
By contrast, the 21st century has seen a heightened emphasis on quality control, consumer protection laws, and transparency in product information. Technology has advanced manufacturing processes, and there is now a greater focus on sustainability, safety standards, and product durability. Modern cars and products are subject to strict regulations to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards that simply did not exist in the early 1900s.
Ford car prices and their quality from 1909 to 1927 reflect these differences. When comparing those vehicles to today's models, one can observe that contemporary automobiles offer a different level of technological advancement, safety, and comfort, all hallmarks of today's quality expectations.