So… Hitler is seen as the devil in the flesh, yet Henry Ford is still seem with admiration … even though, the anti Jewish sentiment of Ford *DIRECTLY INSPIRED* Hitler?

Henry Ford — “On the International Jew”—

Why ford anti Jewish

Why isn’t ford seen as such a bad guy then

Henry Ford’s legacy is multifaceted, and while his anti-Semitic views and publications have been widely criticized, they are often overshadowed by other aspects of his legacy for several reasons:

1. Significant Industrial Contributions: Ford revolutionized the automotive industry and manufacturing through the development of the assembly line and mass production techniques. His innovations significantly lowered the cost of the automobile, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population. This contribution to industrial efficiency and economic transformation is a major part of his legacy.
2. Cultural and Economic Impact: Ford’s impact on the American economy and culture was profound. He not only changed the automotive industry but also had a significant influence on American labor practices, including the introduction of the $5 workday, which was a high wage at the time.
3. Separation of Business and Personal Views: Many people separate Ford’s personal beliefs from his business achievements. While his anti-Semitic views are acknowledged, they are often viewed as a personal failing rather than a reflection of his entire legacy.
4. Historical Context: The era in which Ford lived and worked was marked by widespread prejudices and societal norms that were vastly different from today’s standards. Some people view Ford’s views within the context of his time, though this perspective doesn’t excuse his promotion of harmful stereotypes.
5. Lack of Direct Involvement in Atrocities: Unlike figures like Adolf Hitler, Ford was not directly involved in orchestrating or carrying out atrocities. While his publications contributed to anti-Semitic propaganda, his actions were primarily in the realm of business and industry.
6. Reassessment and Apology: Ford later retracted his anti-Semitic statements and apologized in 1927, which for some, mitigates his earlier stance, though the sincerity and effectiveness of this apology have been debated.
7. Public Awareness: The general public may not be fully aware of the extent of Ford’s anti-Semitic activities, as this aspect of his life is often less emphasized in popular histories and narratives about him.

Henry Ford’s case illustrates how historical figures can have complex legacies, with significant achievements in one area coexisting with deeply problematic views and actions in another. It’s a reminder of the importance of evaluating historical figures in a nuanced and critical manner, acknowledging both their contributions and their failings.

Why Hitler like ford

Adolf Hitler’s admiration for Henry Ford was primarily due to two key factors:

1. Anti-Semitic Views: Ford’s publication of “The International Jew,” a series of articles promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, resonated with Hitler’s own deep-seated anti-Semitic beliefs. Hitler saw Ford as an influential international figure who shared his hostile views towards Jews. This ideological alignment was significant for Hitler, who sought validation for his views from respected and successful figures outside of Germany.
2. Success in Industry and Mass Production: Ford was a pioneer in mass production, particularly with the development of the assembly line for the Model T car. This innovation revolutionized industrial manufacturing, making Ford an icon of efficiency and industrial success. Hitler, who was keen on modernizing Germany’s industry, particularly for war production, admired Ford’s achievements in this area. The efficiency and effectiveness of Ford’s production methods were aspects that Hitler sought to emulate in Germany, especially in the context of building a strong military-industrial complex.

These two aspects made Ford a figure of interest and admiration for Hitler. It’s important to note, however, that while Hitler may have admired Ford, the extent of Ford’s awareness of or response to this admiration is less clear. Ford’s influence on Hitler underscores the complex and often troubling ways in which ideas and prejudices can transcend national boundaries and have significant historical impacts.

Henry Ford’s anti-Semitic views, which became widely known in the early 20th century, were complex and rooted in various personal, social, and historical factors:

1. Influence of Prevailing Attitudes: During Ford’s time, anti-Semitism was unfortunately common in many parts of the world, including the United States. Ford’s views were influenced by the prevalent societal and cultural prejudices of his era.
2. The International Jew: Ford sponsored the publication of a series of articles titled “The International Jew,” which promoted various anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. These articles were later compiled and published in multiple volumes. They suggested that Jews were responsible for a range of societal and economic problems, reflecting common anti-Semitic tropes of the time.
3. Economic and Political Views: Ford believed that Jewish people had a disproportionate influence on the global financial system and were behind various political movements, such as Bolshevism, which he opposed. These beliefs were not based on factual evidence but rather on prejudiced stereotypes and conspiracy theories.
4. Personal Beliefs and Paranoia: Some historians suggest that Ford’s anti-Semitic views were partly fueled by his personal beliefs and a sense of paranoia about the changing world, particularly concerning industrial and financial trends.
5. Influence of Advisors and Literature: Ford was known to be influenced by various advisors who harbored anti-Semitic views. Additionally, he might have been influenced by anti-Semitic literature circulating during that period.

It’s important to recognize that Ford’s anti-Semitic views have been widely condemned and are seen as a dark aspect of his legacy. These views contributed to harmful stereotypes and prejudices, which had significant negative impacts, particularly as they were propagated by someone as influential as Ford. His beliefs were a product of their time, but they also significantly contributed to the spread of anti-Semitic ideology in the early 20th century.