Final answer:
The dramatic decrease in the amount of time needed to produce an automobile in 1913 was due to Henry Ford's implementation of the assembly line, which increased efficiency and reduced costs, making the Model T affordable for many Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry Ford's Introduction of the Assembly Line in 1913
The dramatic decrease in the amount of time required to produce a single automobile in 1913 can be best explained by Henry Ford's perfection of the assembly line technique at his plants. The implementation of the assembly line enabled cars to be produced more efficiently, with each worker specializing in a specific task. This innovation not only increased production speed but also reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for the mass production of automobiles, particularly the Model T. Consequently, the cost of the Model T drastically dropped from $850 in 1908 to $300 in 1924, making automobiles accessible to a broader segment of the population.
The assembly line was a groundbreaking development that transformed the automobile from a luxury item for the wealthy into an affordable commodity for average Americans. By continuously refining this process, Ford's factories were able to churn out a vast number of vehicles, which, in turn, greatly contributed to the eventual ubiquity of the automobile in American society. The decreased production time and lower costs were instrumental in promoting personal vehicle ownership, reshaping American life and landscapes.