Model T Ford Club of America

This slideshow explores the history and impact of the Ford Model T. 

The Model T

In this interactive activity, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the 1909 Ford Model T Touring, one of the most important cars in automotive history. By clicking on different parts of the car, you’ll learn about the key features that made this car so revolutionary in early produciton.

1909 Model T Touring Components

Now that you have seen the components of the earlier version of the Touring, look at the late version to see how Ford continued to improve the Model T. 

1927 Model T Touring Components

Explore the transformative impact of the Model T on the lives of farmers in early 20th-century America. 

Harvesting Innovation: The Model T's Impact on Agriculture

Background context for the what was going on in the world during the production of the Model T. 

1900-1930 America

Think about and discuss the following questions with your peers. 

Think About: Model T's Impact on Other Industries

5 Dollar, 8 Hour Workday

Explore the life events of the man behind the Model T. 

Henry Ford Timeline

Test your knowledge of Henry Ford and the Model T. 

Ford Escape Room

Henry Ford Matching Activity

Explore the transformative impact of the Henry Ford and the Model T on American society. 

Roads to Change: Henry Ford & The Model T's Impact on Society

U.S. History

Social Studies

In the early 1900s, most farms were very different from today. Farmers grew crops like corn, wheat, and vegetables, and they raised animals like cows, pigs, and chickens. They used simple tools, like plows and hand tools, to help with their work. Many farmers relied on horses to pull heavy equipment and help them with their daily tasks.

Getting things from the farm to town was not easy. Farmers often used horse-drawn wagons to carry their crops, but this could take a long time. Roads were bumpy and sometimes muddy, making it hard to travel, especially in bad weather. Because of this, many farmers couldn’t sell their goods quickly, and they had to work really hard to get everything done.

The Model T made it much easier for farmers to move their goods. Before the car, farmers had to use horses and wagons, which took a lot of time and effort. With the Model T, they could quickly drive their crops to the market, getting fresh produce to customers faster. It could carry heavy loads, like bags of grain or baskets of fruits and vegetables, and travel on rough roads. This meant farmers spent less time traveling and more time on their farms, helping them sell more and grow their businesses!

The Model T helped farmers reach more markets and customers than ever before. With a car, farmers could drive to towns and sell their crops directly, instead of waiting for customers to come to them. This made it easier to sell fresh produce and goods quickly. As farmers could travel farther, they found new places to sell their products, which helped their businesses grow!

Farmers could turn their Model T cars into tractors using a special kit called the Mak-a-Tractor. This conversion allowed them to plow fields, plant seeds, and haul heavy loads, making farm work much easier and faster. With its strong engine, the Model T was perfect for tough tasks on the farm, helping farmers do more in less time.

The Montgomery Ward tractor conversion allowed farmers to change their Model T into an even more powerful farming tool. This conversion included special attachments that made it easy to plow fields and pull heavy equipment. Farmers loved this option because it was affordable and made their Model Ts even more useful on the farm. With these modifications, they could complete more tasks quickly and efficiently, helping them grow their businesses.

The Fordson tractor was introduced in 1917 and quickly became popular among farmers. Designed by Henry Ford, it was one of the first tractors to be mass-produced, making it more affordable for many farmers. The Fordson was powerful and versatile, able to handle various tasks like plowing, cultivating, and hauling. Its lightweight design allowed it to work in different types of soil, helping farmers increase their productivity. With the Fordson, many farmers transitioned from horses to tractors, revolutionizing farming practices and paving the way for modern agriculture.

The innovations brought by the Model T and Fordson tractor changed agriculture forever, making farming more efficient and productive. These vehicles enabled farmers to travel greater distances, transport goods quickly, and complete tasks with ease. As a result, they helped farmers access new markets and grow their businesses, contributing to economic development in rural areas. Today, we can see the legacy of these inventions in the modern farming equipment we use. How do you think farming would be different today without these groundbreaking innovations?

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Roads to Change: Henry Ford & The Model T's Impact on Society

Harvesting Innovation: The Model T's Impact on Agriculture

Guiding Question

Farming in the Early 1900's