Democracy In Education / Where and How Fords Are Made

The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: a. “In the early days of our country the labors and hardships of life in the open --” Log buildings. “-- developed a sturdy race of resourceful, independent, clear-thinking men, who rebelled at tyranny --” ‘Spirit of ‘76’ - two drummers, man playing fife in Revolutionary War costumes. “-- signed the Declaration of Independence --” Close-up of draft of Declaration of Independence. “The new republic grew, prospered and became a rich, mighty nation.” New York City skyscrapers. “In 1916, there were many who thought that the crowded condition and manifold temptations of city life --” “-- had completely destroyed those ideals so firmly established by our forefathers. But at the challenge of autocracy --” “-- Liberty took up arms --” Military parade. “-- turning the tide and making the world safe for Democracy.” Battle scene. “Wars and rumors of wars may continue for a time --” Close-up of Detroit newspaper, headline ‘19 Wars Sear Peace World.’ “-- but eventually: ‘The war-drum throbs no longer, And the battle-flags are furled, In the Parliament of Man, The Federation of the World.’” “When the war of force shall be no more, a new struggle will arise, a battle of wits and diplomacy --” “-- but selfish lust for wealth and power will ever do its best to obstruct human progress.” Milling crowd. “America must be prepared. Her public schools must make democracy safe for the world.” City street, pedestrian traffic - children reading in library. “Teachers must put democracy into education.” Classroom. “That is, school training must result in the development of those qualities which are essential both to the happiness of the individual and to the strength and vitality of the nation.” “Children still need to master the three R’s. Readin’ - Ritin’ - Rithmetic.” People on park benches reading - group of men, two in uniform, one sits at desk signing papers - man on construction job reading blue prints, rolls them up, works math problem. “But they must be taught by methods which will result in: Self-direction -- the ability to direct one’s own affairs in an intelligent and reasonable manner.” Boy drawing cartoon. “Self-appraisal -- the ability to judge for one’s self whether or not one is doing well.” Boy looks over his work. “Self-control -- the ability to conduct one’s own business with due respect for the rights of others.” Men in line entering building, one comes to head of line from rear. “Co-operation -- the ability to work with and through other people in the achievement of social purposes.” “These are the fundamental spokes in the wheel of education that can develop this country into the greatest nation of all times.” Panorama of New York City skyline. “The genius of -- Government --” The Capitol. “Science --” Luther Burbank’s experimental garden - spineless cactus. “Art --” “Literature --” People reading in library. “Music -- will be aided and spurred to surpass any previous effort --” Children’s orchestra rehearsal, “-- and the United States will stand as a modern Greece, giving unselfishly a full share of attainments to the world.” Statue of Liberty. “The End.” [1919] b. [part 2] Worker on assembly line. “Assembling the spindle connecting rod.” Worker assembling. “Assembling the spring and radius rod.” Worker assembling. “Assembling the front axle unit to the frame.” Worker assembling. “Placing the frame on the conveyor where the first operation is to hang the rear axle.” Workers put car frame on conveyor. “The motor unit, which includes the transmission, starting motor and generator is completely assembled before being placed in the car.” [1919]