Detroit is Dying

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Detroit was once the mecca for workers pursuing the American dream. In the early 1900’s an innovative inventor named Henry Ford brought mass production of the automobile to this area, turning Detroit into a beacon of opportunity and economic success for many. This Automotive Industry has been at the base of Detroit’s economy for decades; however, it’s not like it once was. During the 20th century the auto industry had many high and lows. Many factors lead to the recent downturn of this industry that led to mass layoffs and displaced workers, which had a negative impact on Detroit, as well as the United States economy.

To begin, Motor City wouldn’t be Motor City if it weren’t for Henry Ford and other automotive innovators. Bentley Historical Library (University of Michigan) researched the roots of the Automotive Industries. The article shows sufficient information regarding Ford and GMs ideas of mass production. They brought new ideas, new methods, and new fabrication to the city. Thousands migrated to the inner city for the numerous automotive manufacturing jobs being offered. Ford had presented “Five Dollars a Day Jobs.” He was offering eager workers top dollar for their work input. The news of Ford’s proposal spread like a wildfire through the American population, by means of newspaper, and constant chatter. African Americans retreated to the North to leave the suppressing, segregated South. Poles, Germans, and other European groups also rushed to Detroit to grab their share of work. Henry Ford required an immense working force to run his industrial empire. In essence, they all migrated to Detroit seeking economic opportunity and a stable living. From here, manufacturing and growth could only get enriched.

The auto fac...

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...'s $5-a-Day Revolution." Ford. Ford Motor Company. Web. 23 Mar. 2012. .

Hughes, Alan. "Can Detroit Be Saved?" ProQuest. Earl G. Graves Publishing Company, Nov. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. .

Lane, Amy. "State: Detroit Took Biggest Hit in Lost Manufacturing Jobs in 2Q." Crain's Detroit Business (2001): 5. General One File. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. .

Nolan, Jenny. "Willow Run and the Arsenal of Democracy." Detnews.com. Detroit News, 28 Jan. 1997. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. .

Ritter, Joe. Personal interview. 1 Mar. 2012.

Stoffer, Harry. "DETROIT GETS COLD SHOULDER IN D.C." Automotive News 83.6334 (2008): 1+. ProQuest. Crain Communications, 17 Nov. 2008. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. .

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