The Empire Never Ended 45: Henry Ford, the Original American Fascist
13 snips
Aug 23, 2021 Dive into the dark legacy of Henry Ford, exploring his radical anti-Semitism and disturbing ties to Nazi Germany. Discover Ford's ambitious but failed project in Brazil, Fordlandia, alongside his oppressive labor practices that sparked conflict and violence. The discussion exposes Ford's complex persona, from his capitalist contributions to his unsettling ideologies, linking him to broader narratives of American fascism. With humor and insight, the hosts also share amusing tales from their Australian interview experience, wrapping the episode with a lively touch.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ford's Dark Side
- Henry Ford's anti-Semitism was not a secret.
- Rumors about his tyrannical factory practices were also widespread.
Fordism and American Fascism
- Henry Ford, a key figure in American fascism, also shaped early 20th-century capitalism.
- "Fordism" reflects this influence.
De-skilling Labor
- Fordism aimed to minimize human involvement in production through specialized tools and processes.
- This de-skilling maximized pressure on labor by reducing the need for skilled workers.