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Narrator:
This is the story of america
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00:00:04,372 --> 00:00:08,373
Seen in color
for the first time.
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00:00:08,376 --> 00:00:10,976
The dawn of the 20th century.
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00:00:11,045 --> 00:00:15,047
America is on the rise.
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00:00:15,115 --> 00:00:19,985
Now bold pioneers will lead it
to even greater heights,
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00:00:20,054 --> 00:00:25,657
With inventions, technologies,
and mighty industries
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00:00:25,726 --> 00:00:30,062
That transform america
and the world.
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00:00:30,064 --> 00:00:33,665
But the changes also
trigger division.
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00:00:33,734 --> 00:00:38,337
This is the story of america's
titans of industry
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As you have never
seen them before.
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00:00:43,277 --> 00:00:57,423
♪
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00:00:57,491 --> 00:01:11,837
♪
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00:01:11,905 --> 00:01:15,774
In 1910, this is life
in america.
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00:01:19,713 --> 00:01:23,982
It is still
a mostly rural nation.
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00:01:23,984 --> 00:01:26,785
People go places on foot.
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00:01:26,854 --> 00:01:32,791
For extra muscle,
nothing can beat the horse.
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00:01:32,793 --> 00:01:36,795
But all this is about to change.
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00:01:39,867 --> 00:01:42,267
May 30, 1911.
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America's
fastest-growing industry
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00:01:45,005 --> 00:01:50,342
Descends on indianapolis
for memorial day.
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This is the very first indy 500.
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For 200 laps, drivers, their
mechanics right beside them,
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00:02:00,754 --> 00:02:03,088
Battle through
plumes of white smoke
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00:02:03,157 --> 00:02:05,023
From burning castor oil.
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00:02:08,162 --> 00:02:11,630
With the racecars going
over 70 miles per hour,
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00:02:11,632 --> 00:02:14,233
The daredevils
flirt with danger.
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00:02:16,170 --> 00:02:18,904
Lap 87.
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00:02:18,972 --> 00:02:21,706
Joe jagersberger breaks
a steering nut
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00:02:21,709 --> 00:02:25,443
And his onboard mechanic
is thrown onto the track.
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Harry knight swerves
to avoid him
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And careens into the pit road.
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00:02:33,453 --> 00:02:35,521
No lives are lost.
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But jagersberger and knight
are knocked out of the race.
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00:02:39,860 --> 00:02:41,293
[whistle blows]
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00:02:43,864 --> 00:02:46,865
One driver, ray harroun,
in the yellow car,
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00:02:46,934 --> 00:02:48,867
Has a tactical advantage.
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00:02:48,936 --> 00:02:52,137
He's driving solo
thanks to a new invention:
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The rear-view mirror.
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00:02:54,942 --> 00:03:00,212
With no passenger, harroun's car
is lighter and faster.
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00:03:03,217 --> 00:03:08,220
He takes the checkered flag
and shows america
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00:03:08,288 --> 00:03:12,057
That even a small innovation
can provide the winning edge.
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00:03:14,294 --> 00:03:19,765
The indy 500 will become
an american institution.
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00:03:26,573 --> 00:03:28,240
In the rest of the country
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There are only 600,000 cars
for some 93 million people.
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Most american homes
don't yet have electricity.
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00:03:40,454 --> 00:03:44,756
And over a third of the
population still lives on farms.
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00:03:48,662 --> 00:03:51,062
But a new generation
of industrial titans
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00:03:51,065 --> 00:03:53,265
Will reshape that landscape.
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00:03:53,267 --> 00:03:57,269
And three of them will help
tell their own stories.
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00:03:57,271 --> 00:04:01,540
Henry ford, harvey firestone,
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00:04:01,608 --> 00:04:05,210
And thomas edison.
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00:04:05,279 --> 00:04:07,679
Not only do they
transform america,
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00:04:07,748 --> 00:04:10,949
But they use a new invention,
the movie camera,
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00:04:11,018 --> 00:04:14,186
To make sure that
everyone knows it.
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00:04:19,626 --> 00:04:23,962
In 1908, michigan's henry ford,
son of an irish immigrant,
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00:04:24,031 --> 00:04:27,299
Embarks on an audacious mission,
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00:04:27,301 --> 00:04:31,236
Creating what he calls
"a motor car for the multitude."
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00:04:31,238 --> 00:04:38,176
His model t sells for $850,
around $23,000 today.
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00:04:38,178 --> 00:04:42,914
Ford is a master
of the publicity stunt.
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00:04:42,916 --> 00:04:46,985
These are rare images:
Auto polo in new york city.
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00:04:47,054 --> 00:04:49,988
The games promote model t sales,
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00:04:49,990 --> 00:04:53,258
Which hit 10,000 cars
in the first year.
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00:04:55,862 --> 00:05:00,131
To reduce costs,
ford pioneers mass production
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00:05:00,134 --> 00:05:03,468
And cuts deals with
other captains of industry,
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00:05:03,537 --> 00:05:07,072
Like ohio's harvey firestone.
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00:05:07,140 --> 00:05:10,142
In 1900, the one-time
buggy salesman
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00:05:10,210 --> 00:05:13,478
Risks his own money, $10,000,
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00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:17,882
To set up a rubber tire factory
in akron.
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00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:21,820
He starts making pneumatic tires
inflated with air
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00:05:21,822 --> 00:05:26,091
That gives cars a smoother ride
on the country's rough roads.
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00:05:29,496 --> 00:05:33,498
In 1906 henry ford
recognizes their quality
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00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:37,769
After a 60-day test drive
on the streets of detroit.
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00:05:41,041 --> 00:05:46,378
He buys 8,000 in what is
the biggest tire deal to date,
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00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:51,850
Paying the equivalent
of $2.8 million today.
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00:05:51,918 --> 00:05:55,120
Firestone and ford are
following in the footsteps
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00:05:55,122 --> 00:05:59,858
Of the previous generation
of industrialists...
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00:05:59,926 --> 00:06:03,061
The men who pioneered
big business in america,
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00:06:03,063 --> 00:06:08,200
One of whom still stands on top
of the financial pyramid.
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00:06:08,268 --> 00:06:14,606
John d. Rockefeller,
worth $900 million.
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00:06:14,674 --> 00:06:19,677
His giant company, standard oil,
began as an ohio refinery
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00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:24,549
But has grown
to monopolize the market.
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His gasoline fuels
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00:06:26,019 --> 00:06:31,022
Ford and firestone's
booming auto industry.
84
00:06:31,091 --> 00:06:34,226
He also sells the kerosene
that most americans still use
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00:06:34,294 --> 00:06:37,229
To light and heat their homes.
86
00:06:37,297 --> 00:06:41,767
But in the 20th century,
kerosene has a serious rival.
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00:06:43,770 --> 00:06:49,441
America's homes are filling
with electric light
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00:06:49,509 --> 00:06:52,711
Made possible
by thomas a. Edison,
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00:06:52,779 --> 00:06:54,979
Legendary pioneer
of the light bulb,
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00:06:54,982 --> 00:06:58,717
Phonograph and the movie camera.
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00:06:58,785 --> 00:07:01,386
Seen here on a tour
of the company he founded,
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General electric,
93
00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:07,859
Edison initiates
the electrification of america.
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00:07:07,861 --> 00:07:10,262
But progress is slow.
95
00:07:10,330 --> 00:07:13,331
In 1910, only 1 in 10 households
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00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:17,002
Can benefit from
edison's filament bulbs.
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♪
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A quarter of the nation's
factories are on the grid
99
00:07:30,083 --> 00:07:34,419
And are increasingly automated.
100
00:07:34,421 --> 00:07:38,289
Edison, interviewed
by fox movietone in 1929,
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00:07:38,292 --> 00:07:40,959
Sees endless possibilities
for the electrification
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Of american industry.
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00:07:43,029 --> 00:07:45,163
Thomas edison: I firmly believe
that the machine age
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00:07:45,232 --> 00:07:48,433
Will favorably affect
the lives of the workers.
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00:07:48,502 --> 00:07:51,169
It is impossible,
however, to forecast
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00:07:51,238 --> 00:07:54,038
What electricity and invention
will make of the world
107
00:07:54,041 --> 00:07:55,974
100 years hence.
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00:07:55,976 --> 00:08:00,912
We don't know a millionth
of one percent about anything.
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00:08:00,914 --> 00:08:04,849
Narrator: This is henry ford's
electrified factory in detroit,
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Where in 1913 he introduces
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The world's first
moving assembly line.
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00:08:12,058 --> 00:08:13,324
Parts roll through
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00:08:13,327 --> 00:08:15,994
On electrically powered
conveyor belts,
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00:08:16,062 --> 00:08:18,129
Cutting the time needed
to make a model t
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00:08:18,198 --> 00:08:22,601
Down from 12 hours
to 90 minutes.
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00:08:22,669 --> 00:08:25,003
But automation takes a toll.
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00:08:25,005 --> 00:08:28,673
Skilled mechanics
leave in droves.
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00:08:28,742 --> 00:08:32,344
In their place, ford hires
unskilled laborers;
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00:08:32,412 --> 00:08:35,413
Any man off the street will do.
120
00:08:35,482 --> 00:08:39,684
The work is dull, monotonous
and relentless.
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00:08:39,686 --> 00:08:42,086
Many can't stand it.
122
00:08:42,089 --> 00:08:47,692
In 1913 alone,
ford has to hire 52,000 people
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00:08:47,694 --> 00:08:52,297
Just to keep
14,000 positions filled.
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00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:54,098
To stabilize his workforce
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00:08:54,101 --> 00:08:58,703
He raises pay to $5
for an eight-hour day.
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00:08:58,705 --> 00:09:01,439
The move garners
positive national publicity
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00:09:01,441 --> 00:09:03,775
And appears to solve
the problem...
128
00:09:03,777 --> 00:09:05,644
For now.
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00:09:08,381 --> 00:09:10,648
The higher wages turn
blue collar workers
130
00:09:10,651 --> 00:09:13,718
Into consumers.
131
00:09:13,787 --> 00:09:15,920
They buy labor-saving goods
132
00:09:15,923 --> 00:09:20,191
All powered by
the expanding electrical grid.
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00:09:20,193 --> 00:09:23,995
Toasters, cigar lighters,
134
00:09:23,997 --> 00:09:25,930
Ovens, and heaters
135
00:09:25,933 --> 00:09:28,533
All built by general electric,
136
00:09:28,535 --> 00:09:32,037
The company founded
by thomas edison.
137
00:09:35,342 --> 00:09:37,742
The nerve center
of edison's operation
138
00:09:37,744 --> 00:09:42,080
Is his headquarters in
west orange, new jersey.
139
00:09:42,148 --> 00:09:44,549
It's a campus
of modern-looking buildings
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00:09:44,618 --> 00:09:46,484
Where he develops
new inventions
141
00:09:46,486 --> 00:09:51,022
And builds the world's
first movie theater.
142
00:09:51,091 --> 00:09:55,226
But on December 9, 1914,
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00:09:55,228 --> 00:09:59,497
Disaster strikes the plant.
144
00:09:59,499 --> 00:10:03,501
At 5:15 in the morning, a can
of highly flammable nitrate film
145
00:10:03,503 --> 00:10:07,205
Catches fire and
causes an explosion.
146
00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:16,247
In the inferno,
one man is killed.
147
00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:23,288
[siren]
148
00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:31,396
This never-before-seen footage,
filmed by edison himself,
149
00:10:31,398 --> 00:10:35,467
Shows the aftermath
of the massive chemical fire.
150
00:10:35,535 --> 00:10:38,136
It consumes 13 buildings
151
00:10:38,204 --> 00:10:42,807
And destroys priceless
prototypes and records.
152
00:10:42,876 --> 00:10:49,347
Damages run to $1.5 million,
and edison is underinsured;
153
00:10:49,349 --> 00:10:52,417
Only a third of his losses
are covered.
154
00:10:55,755 --> 00:10:59,691
He's saved by a good friend,
henry ford,
155
00:10:59,759 --> 00:11:06,164
Who loans him $750,000
interest-free.
156
00:11:06,232 --> 00:11:09,634
Ford is a former employee
of edison's.
157
00:11:09,636 --> 00:11:12,303
Their strong bond is captured
on a filmed tour
158
00:11:12,372 --> 00:11:16,041
Of the newly rebuilt
edison factory.
159
00:11:16,109 --> 00:11:20,111
Edison teaches ford the key role
of technological research
160
00:11:20,180 --> 00:11:23,848
In achieving business success.
161
00:11:23,917 --> 00:11:28,052
They are now two of the most
famous men in america.
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00:11:28,055 --> 00:11:34,258
♪
163
00:11:34,261 --> 00:11:36,261
In 1915, they arrive together
164
00:11:36,329 --> 00:11:41,733
At the pan pacific exposition
in san francisco,
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00:11:41,735 --> 00:11:45,803
Where October 21st
is declared edison day,
166
00:11:45,806 --> 00:11:50,408
A celebration of technology
and innovation.
167
00:11:50,477 --> 00:11:54,279
Edison lays a plaque to honor
his world-changing invention.
168
00:11:54,347 --> 00:11:57,749
[cheering]
169
00:11:57,751 --> 00:11:59,951
That night,
the site is transformed
170
00:11:59,953 --> 00:12:04,089
Into a wonderland
of electric light.
171
00:12:04,157 --> 00:12:06,558
Harvey firestone,
the rubber tire mogul,
172
00:12:06,626 --> 00:12:09,561
Joins them in san francisco
173
00:12:09,629 --> 00:12:13,231
And takes edison and his wife on
a chauffeured drive around town
174
00:12:13,299 --> 00:12:15,900
In his open-top touring car.
175
00:12:19,239 --> 00:12:24,609
Ford, firestone and edison are
now national icons and buddies.
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00:12:29,316 --> 00:12:31,049
For these shrewd businessmen,
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00:12:31,117 --> 00:12:34,853
Even vacations are
a marketing opportunity.
178
00:12:37,791 --> 00:12:40,725
The ford motor company
films their escapades
179
00:12:40,794 --> 00:12:44,996
And releases mini movies
to theaters across the country,
180
00:12:44,998 --> 00:12:49,467
Where americans can watch
these legendary titans at play.
181
00:12:49,536 --> 00:12:50,468
[gunshot]
182
00:12:52,139 --> 00:12:53,304
[gunshot]
183
00:12:56,876 --> 00:13:00,078
Inspired by what they see,
184
00:13:00,146 --> 00:13:05,083
Americans take to the road
to vacation like a titan.
185
00:13:09,022 --> 00:13:12,090
In 1915 the country
is on the move.
186
00:13:12,158 --> 00:13:16,094
Soon most americans
will live in cities.
187
00:13:16,162 --> 00:13:18,563
The middle class is growing,
188
00:13:18,631 --> 00:13:23,168
Accelerated by the wealth
industrialists have created.
189
00:13:23,236 --> 00:13:27,038
The three titans,
already american celebrities,
190
00:13:27,040 --> 00:13:30,575
Are about to be thrust
onto the world stage.
191
00:13:37,984 --> 00:13:42,720
1915, new york,
the financial heart of america,
192
00:13:42,789 --> 00:13:45,723
Now the richest nation on earth.
193
00:13:45,725 --> 00:13:47,325
[artillery fire]
194
00:13:47,327 --> 00:13:49,727
It prospers while
its competitors in europe
195
00:13:49,796 --> 00:13:54,732
Are locked in the life-and-death
struggles of world war I.
196
00:13:54,734 --> 00:13:59,070
America's determination
to stay out of the conflict
197
00:13:59,138 --> 00:14:01,973
Is personified by henry ford.
198
00:14:05,011 --> 00:14:09,614
♪
199
00:14:09,682 --> 00:14:13,218
Not only is he
a committed pacifist,
200
00:14:13,286 --> 00:14:15,753
But flushed with
his business success,
201
00:14:15,755 --> 00:14:19,023
He believes he has
the intelligence and power
202
00:14:19,025 --> 00:14:21,059
To broker peace.
203
00:14:23,229 --> 00:14:24,762
In the fall of 1915
204
00:14:24,764 --> 00:14:27,632
He embarks on
a self-sponsored peace mission
205
00:14:27,700 --> 00:14:29,901
To stockholm, sweden.
206
00:14:29,903 --> 00:14:31,502
He charters a ship
207
00:14:31,504 --> 00:14:34,372
To transport a delegation
of american pacifists
208
00:14:34,440 --> 00:14:37,842
And tells the press, "we are
going to try to get the boys
209
00:14:37,844 --> 00:14:40,645
Out of their trenches
and back to their homes
210
00:14:40,713 --> 00:14:43,047
By christmas day."
211
00:14:43,049 --> 00:14:46,317
Reporters call it
the ship of fools.
212
00:14:46,319 --> 00:14:48,052
[horn blares]
213
00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:53,791
Ignored by the warring nations,
it is a complete failure.
214
00:14:53,860 --> 00:15:00,665
[artillery fire and explosions]
215
00:15:00,667 --> 00:15:05,570
On April 6, 1917,
america enters world war I.
216
00:15:07,740 --> 00:15:11,742
Ford may not like it,
but for other would-be titans,
217
00:15:11,745 --> 00:15:14,812
The war is a golden opportunity.
218
00:15:17,951 --> 00:15:23,721
And it jump starts
a new technology: Aviation.
219
00:15:25,491 --> 00:15:28,760
Young engineers like
donald douglas begin building
220
00:15:28,828 --> 00:15:32,897
An industry that will
soon take over america.
221
00:15:32,899 --> 00:15:35,033
Cameras film combat aircraft
222
00:15:35,101 --> 00:15:40,771
Being assembled in connecticut
and washington state.
223
00:15:40,774 --> 00:15:44,042
They are powered by
a revolutionary new technology--
224
00:15:44,110 --> 00:15:50,114
The liberty engine,
designed to be mass produced.
225
00:15:50,183 --> 00:15:53,451
The government tasks engine
and automobile manufacturers
226
00:15:53,519 --> 00:15:57,789
To build them,
including henry ford.
227
00:15:57,857 --> 00:16:02,727
In a complete u-turn, ford
abandons his pacifist stand,
228
00:16:02,795 --> 00:16:04,929
And his state-of-the-art
assembly lines
229
00:16:04,998 --> 00:16:07,865
Feed the war machine.
230
00:16:07,934 --> 00:16:11,135
Initially he only supplies
the engines' cylinders,
231
00:16:11,137 --> 00:16:15,006
But in true ford style,
he streamlines the process,
232
00:16:15,008 --> 00:16:21,012
Increasing production from
151 to 2,000 cylinders a day,
233
00:16:21,014 --> 00:16:25,283
Then delivers nearly
4,000 completed engines.
234
00:16:33,493 --> 00:16:37,962
Aviation, barely a decade old,
seems very glamorous
235
00:16:37,964 --> 00:16:41,699
To rich, young men
like harvey firestone, jr.,
236
00:16:41,701 --> 00:16:47,438
Seen here on vacation
with his tire magnate father.
237
00:16:47,507 --> 00:16:50,041
He wants to enlist
as a naval aviator,
238
00:16:50,109 --> 00:16:55,713
But fails the medical test
due to bad eyesight.
239
00:16:55,782 --> 00:16:58,516
The titans flex their muscles.
240
00:16:58,518 --> 00:17:00,852
Letters from henry ford
and thomas edison
241
00:17:00,920 --> 00:17:03,321
Get the decision reversed.
242
00:17:05,725 --> 00:17:07,325
Harvey junior joins
243
00:17:07,393 --> 00:17:11,229
One of the most dangerous
branches of the military.
244
00:17:14,667 --> 00:17:16,601
During world war I
245
00:17:16,669 --> 00:17:22,206
A third of american pilot deaths
are in training.
246
00:17:22,208 --> 00:17:25,076
Airplanes are still
a relatively new invention,
247
00:17:25,078 --> 00:17:29,347
And despite enthusiasm,
few know how to fly to them.
248
00:17:32,952 --> 00:17:34,485
To solve the problem,
249
00:17:34,554 --> 00:17:38,889
The government turns to
the top minds in industry.
250
00:17:38,892 --> 00:17:41,893
Thomas edison heads
the naval consulting board,
251
00:17:41,961 --> 00:17:46,564
Seen here on the steps
of the capitol.
252
00:17:46,566 --> 00:17:50,435
He helps the board
devise training tools,
253
00:17:50,503 --> 00:17:54,906
Like the ruggles orientator.
254
00:17:54,974 --> 00:17:57,041
An instructor operates
the machine
255
00:17:57,043 --> 00:18:02,380
As the students struggle
to keep the plane level.
256
00:18:02,448 --> 00:18:05,850
It's the forerunner of
a modern-day flight simulator.
257
00:18:07,787 --> 00:18:10,054
[artillery fire]
258
00:18:10,056 --> 00:18:15,593
♪
259
00:18:15,595 --> 00:18:18,062
Henry ford's
biggest contribution
260
00:18:18,064 --> 00:18:20,865
Is an injection of model ts.
261
00:18:20,933 --> 00:18:24,735
Army green is a departure
from his trademark black.
262
00:18:24,804 --> 00:18:28,873
39,000 see service in europe.
263
00:18:28,875 --> 00:18:33,010
Trucks, staff cars,
and over 4,000 ambulances,
264
00:18:33,079 --> 00:18:37,548
Many driving on firestone tires.
265
00:18:37,617 --> 00:18:42,419
These 25 are heading to
the front in verdun, France,
266
00:18:42,422 --> 00:18:44,822
In March 1918.
267
00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:50,962
Over a million allied soldiers
benefit from ford's ambulances
268
00:18:51,030 --> 00:18:53,164
During the war.
269
00:18:53,232 --> 00:18:55,900
They move the wounded
quickly and comfortably,
270
00:18:55,968 --> 00:18:59,203
Ultimately saving many lives.
271
00:19:01,974 --> 00:19:04,842
But while ford eventually
embraces the war effort,
272
00:19:04,911 --> 00:19:07,478
It actually hurts
his bottom line.
273
00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:12,983
His huge, ultra-efficient
factories,
274
00:19:12,986 --> 00:19:15,253
Converted to
military production,
275
00:19:15,321 --> 00:19:18,956
Are operating far below
their civilian capacity.
276
00:19:22,328 --> 00:19:23,995
Hoping to boost profits,
277
00:19:24,063 --> 00:19:27,131
He tries his hand
at building tanks.
278
00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:33,804
♪
279
00:19:33,873 --> 00:19:37,408
The m1918 weighs three tons
280
00:19:37,476 --> 00:19:41,479
And has a top speed
of eight miles per hour.
281
00:19:41,547 --> 00:19:43,681
Ford and his son edsel
watch tests
282
00:19:43,683 --> 00:19:46,284
In highland park, michigan.
283
00:19:46,352 --> 00:19:49,554
Results are mixed.
284
00:19:49,622 --> 00:19:52,857
The tank never makes it
to the battlefield.
285
00:19:57,163 --> 00:20:03,100
And ford's business
continues to suffer.
286
00:20:03,102 --> 00:20:05,903
Though he makes $4 million
from the conflict,
287
00:20:05,905 --> 00:20:10,908
It's just half
his peacetime income.
288
00:20:10,910 --> 00:20:14,578
But shrewd as ever, he keeps
taking orders for his model t
289
00:20:14,581 --> 00:20:19,116
Throughout the war
and accumulates a huge backlog.
290
00:20:21,921 --> 00:20:27,124
In 1919, over 800,000 cars
roll off the lines,
291
00:20:27,126 --> 00:20:31,128
More than making up
for lost wartime sales.
292
00:20:31,197 --> 00:20:37,201
♪
293
00:20:37,270 --> 00:20:42,006
With the fighting finally over,
a new decade dawns.
294
00:20:42,008 --> 00:20:45,610
The titans will help drive
the roaring twenties
295
00:20:45,678 --> 00:20:50,047
And change the landscape
of america forever.
296
00:20:52,952 --> 00:20:57,554
[cheering]
297
00:20:57,557 --> 00:21:00,358
November 1918.
298
00:21:00,426 --> 00:21:02,026
America's industrial might
299
00:21:02,094 --> 00:21:07,031
Has helped bring the kaiser's
germany to its knees.
300
00:21:07,099 --> 00:21:10,501
Celebrations fill
the streets of new york.
301
00:21:10,503 --> 00:21:21,712
♪
302
00:21:21,781 --> 00:21:25,849
In cities across america,
like detroit and los angeles,
303
00:21:25,852 --> 00:21:28,653
Life appears brighter than ever.
304
00:21:28,721 --> 00:21:31,589
Electricity,
pioneered by edison,
305
00:21:31,657 --> 00:21:35,793
Now reaches one third
of urban homes.
306
00:21:35,861 --> 00:21:38,863
Nearly 7 million cars
crowd the roads--
307
00:21:38,931 --> 00:21:44,268
A tenfold increase
over the past eight years.
308
00:21:44,337 --> 00:21:50,808
And unemployment has fallen
to a record low, just 1.4%.
309
00:21:50,876 --> 00:21:53,811
The war has changed america.
310
00:21:53,879 --> 00:21:57,414
It drew 4.7 million
men and women to the military,
311
00:21:57,417 --> 00:21:59,884
Leaving many jobs unfilled.
312
00:22:02,155 --> 00:22:04,622
Over half a million
african americans in the south,
313
00:22:04,690 --> 00:22:06,690
Oppressed by jim crow laws,
314
00:22:06,693 --> 00:22:12,363
Are attracted by work
in the new industrial centers.
315
00:22:12,365 --> 00:22:15,699
They move north
in the great migration.
316
00:22:15,702 --> 00:22:18,235
Henry ford's hometown, detroit,
317
00:22:18,237 --> 00:22:20,371
Sees the african american
community swell
318
00:22:20,373 --> 00:22:24,508
From 5,000 to 40,000.
319
00:22:24,510 --> 00:22:27,678
Nearly 2,000 work for ford.
320
00:22:31,851 --> 00:22:33,517
The countryside
they've left behind
321
00:22:33,586 --> 00:22:36,387
Is still largely unchanged.
322
00:22:36,389 --> 00:22:42,793
There's no electricity,
horses still outnumber tractors,
323
00:22:42,795 --> 00:22:48,099
And the roads, they're mostly
unmapped and unpaved.
324
00:22:53,672 --> 00:22:56,407
On July 7, 1919,
325
00:22:56,475 --> 00:23:00,277
80 military vehicles
and 280 personnel
326
00:23:00,346 --> 00:23:02,546
Embark from washington, dc,
327
00:23:02,615 --> 00:23:08,486
On an epic 3,000-mile road test
to san francisco.
328
00:23:08,554 --> 00:23:11,422
Harvey firestone
senses an opportunity
329
00:23:11,424 --> 00:23:15,760
And invites the convoy
to stop at his ohio home.
330
00:23:15,828 --> 00:23:19,630
On July 13th, the military pulls
into his farm in columbiana
331
00:23:19,632 --> 00:23:21,599
For a chicken dinner.
332
00:23:24,036 --> 00:23:29,239
Both the army and firestone
film the event.
333
00:23:29,242 --> 00:23:34,512
The cameras entice some
of the soldiers to show off.
334
00:23:34,580 --> 00:23:37,715
But over dinner
firestone devotes his time
335
00:23:37,783 --> 00:23:40,785
To showing a young soldier
named dwight d. Eisenhower
336
00:23:40,853 --> 00:23:43,821
The benefits of firestone tires.
337
00:23:49,395 --> 00:23:52,663
Two vehicles equipped with
his trademark pneumatic tires
338
00:23:52,731 --> 00:23:56,667
Join the convoy for
the remainder of the trip.
339
00:23:56,735 --> 00:24:01,172
The army trucks use traditional,
cheaper solid rubber tires.
340
00:24:04,076 --> 00:24:09,613
The convoy battles
the unpaved roads of illinois...
341
00:24:09,615 --> 00:24:11,816
And nevada.
342
00:24:16,155 --> 00:24:19,356
And climbs
the sierra nevada mountains...
343
00:24:24,163 --> 00:24:29,967
Before reaching the west coast
62 days later.
344
00:24:29,969 --> 00:24:32,503
Eisenhower reports
that pneumatic tires
345
00:24:32,571 --> 00:24:36,106
Are practically puncture-proof,
allow more speed,
346
00:24:36,108 --> 00:24:39,710
And prevent excess vibration.
347
00:24:39,712 --> 00:24:41,846
As they roll into san francisco,
348
00:24:41,914 --> 00:24:46,317
The titan reaps priceless
publicity for his products.
349
00:24:46,385 --> 00:24:49,853
America's leaders embrace
the car's promise.
350
00:24:49,856 --> 00:24:53,724
The government commits
to improving roads...
351
00:24:53,726 --> 00:24:56,927
A policy that culminates
some three decades later
352
00:24:56,929 --> 00:25:00,664
When eisenhower creates
the interstate highway system.
353
00:25:05,004 --> 00:25:06,670
1920.
354
00:25:06,739 --> 00:25:08,272
With the end of the war,
355
00:25:08,274 --> 00:25:11,141
Military production slows,
356
00:25:11,143 --> 00:25:13,810
And so does the economy.
357
00:25:13,813 --> 00:25:17,814
Veterans can't find jobs.
358
00:25:17,817 --> 00:25:20,918
The nation slips
into a recession.
359
00:25:23,756 --> 00:25:26,690
Henry ford is now a grandfather,
360
00:25:26,759 --> 00:25:32,296
Seen here at home with
his first grandson and namesake.
361
00:25:32,364 --> 00:25:36,700
But even titans are not immune
to a national crisis.
362
00:25:42,975 --> 00:25:45,842
Ambitious as ever,
ford used his profits
363
00:25:45,845 --> 00:25:50,781
From his post-war back orders
to expand his company.
364
00:25:50,783 --> 00:25:54,385
Over three years
he invests $60 million
365
00:25:54,453 --> 00:25:57,921
Into constructing what will be
a legendary plant:
366
00:25:57,924 --> 00:26:02,059
River rouge in dearborn.
367
00:26:02,127 --> 00:26:07,131
It covers 1,200 acres
of riverfront.
368
00:26:07,199 --> 00:26:10,000
To win control of every stage
of production,
369
00:26:10,002 --> 00:26:16,407
Ford spends another $15 million
on coal and iron mines...
370
00:26:16,475 --> 00:26:22,479
And gets a $20 million bank loan
to buy out his shareholders.
371
00:26:22,548 --> 00:26:25,349
But when sales drop by half
in the recession,
372
00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:28,586
Ford is on the brink
of bankruptcy.
373
00:26:32,758 --> 00:26:36,293
He risks everything
with a gutsy move.
374
00:26:38,965 --> 00:26:42,032
He buys the key railway
that delivers the supplies
375
00:26:42,101 --> 00:26:44,301
He needs to build his plant:
376
00:26:44,370 --> 00:26:48,905
The detroit, toledo
and ironton line.
377
00:26:48,908 --> 00:26:52,442
He streamlines its operations
to speed up deliveries,
378
00:26:52,445 --> 00:26:57,514
Enabling him to hold less
inventory and cut his expenses,
379
00:26:57,516 --> 00:27:02,586
Freeing up $28 million that
helps put him back in the black.
380
00:27:02,588 --> 00:27:04,788
Ford's gamble is
a sharp reminder
381
00:27:04,857 --> 00:27:09,660
That even the richest men
have to scramble to stay on top.
382
00:27:13,132 --> 00:27:17,668
Some of ford's detroit rivals
are less nimble.
383
00:27:17,670 --> 00:27:21,605
Car manufacturer lincoln
is struggling.
384
00:27:21,607 --> 00:27:25,008
Its owner, henry leland,
has seen demand crash
385
00:27:25,011 --> 00:27:27,711
In the post-war recession.
386
00:27:29,749 --> 00:27:33,217
In 1922, henry ford
and his son edsel,
387
00:27:33,285 --> 00:27:35,352
Now the company president,
388
00:27:35,421 --> 00:27:39,690
Capitalize on their
competition's weakness
389
00:27:39,692 --> 00:27:46,163
And snap up lincoln for
a bargain price of $8 million.
390
00:27:46,231 --> 00:27:51,902
Under ford, lincoln becomes
a prestigious luxury brand.
391
00:27:51,904 --> 00:27:54,037
Wealthy americans
splurge on a car
392
00:27:54,040 --> 00:27:58,042
That costs 10 times more
than the model t.
393
00:27:58,110 --> 00:28:02,379
And soon, many can afford it.
394
00:28:02,448 --> 00:28:06,250
The 1920 recession
is short-lived.
395
00:28:06,318 --> 00:28:13,257
Industry takes off again,
and the twenties start to roar.
396
00:28:13,325 --> 00:28:15,325
Ready to take advantage
of the new boom
397
00:28:15,327 --> 00:28:20,597
Is a new generation of titans,
drawn to a new industry.
398
00:28:20,666 --> 00:28:23,133
Donald douglas is
an aircraft engineer
399
00:28:23,135 --> 00:28:26,537
Who served during
the first world war.
400
00:28:26,605 --> 00:28:29,473
In 1921,
in santa monica, california,
401
00:28:29,475 --> 00:28:33,410
He founds
the douglas aircraft company.
402
00:28:33,412 --> 00:28:35,012
His first contract:
403
00:28:35,080 --> 00:28:40,016
Six of his douglas torpedo
dt bombers.
404
00:28:40,019 --> 00:28:43,554
The planes launch from america's
first aircraft carrier,
405
00:28:43,622 --> 00:28:46,090
The uss langley.
406
00:28:48,227 --> 00:28:50,360
Douglas has reason to smile.
407
00:28:50,429 --> 00:28:52,562
He makes his first million
on the deal,
408
00:28:52,565 --> 00:28:56,133
With an order for
38 more bombers to come.
409
00:28:59,905 --> 00:29:04,708
Back from the brink, ford
once again sets his sights high.
410
00:29:07,846 --> 00:29:11,115
He famously says he put a car
in every garage,
411
00:29:11,183 --> 00:29:14,084
And now wants to put
a plane there, too.
412
00:29:17,523 --> 00:29:19,856
Ford, still a marketing master,
413
00:29:19,859 --> 00:29:25,429
Unveils the prototype
on his 63rd birthday in 1926.
414
00:29:27,933 --> 00:29:30,200
He calls it the ford flivver
415
00:29:30,202 --> 00:29:33,604
After the popular nickname
for his model t.
416
00:29:38,143 --> 00:29:39,943
The press loves it.
417
00:29:40,012 --> 00:29:44,414
One journalist writes,
"I dreamed I was an angel,
418
00:29:44,416 --> 00:29:47,417
And with the angels soared.
419
00:29:47,419 --> 00:29:51,154
But I was simply
touring the heavens
420
00:29:51,157 --> 00:29:54,758
In a ford."
421
00:29:54,827 --> 00:29:56,760
Though its publicity
excites people,
422
00:29:56,762 --> 00:30:01,231
The plane is only a prototype,
not yet available for sale.
423
00:30:03,502 --> 00:30:05,836
The flivver test pilot,
harry brooks,
424
00:30:05,838 --> 00:30:08,672
Is a close friend of ford's.
425
00:30:11,710 --> 00:30:17,581
Together they work on perfecting
ford's latest venture.
426
00:30:17,649 --> 00:30:22,452
During a publicity tour in 1928,
brooks is killed.
427
00:30:22,521 --> 00:30:25,956
Ford cancels all work
on the flivver.
428
00:30:28,927 --> 00:30:34,064
He turns his attention back to
cars, where business is booming.
429
00:30:34,132 --> 00:30:37,934
In michigan, ford finally opens
his river rouge plant,
430
00:30:37,937 --> 00:30:41,872
The largest coordinated factory
in the world,
431
00:30:41,874 --> 00:30:45,409
Able to turn raw materials
into running vehicles
432
00:30:45,477 --> 00:30:48,812
In a single complex.
433
00:30:48,881 --> 00:30:50,681
Cars need tires,
434
00:30:50,749 --> 00:30:52,883
And harvey firestone's
ohio plant
435
00:30:52,951 --> 00:30:56,286
Now employs 10,000 people.
436
00:30:59,825 --> 00:31:04,361
Akron, ohio, sees a 200%
increase in population.
437
00:31:04,363 --> 00:31:07,764
Suddenly there are more
people than houses.
438
00:31:12,171 --> 00:31:17,507
Firestone decides to build
a community for his workforce.
439
00:31:17,509 --> 00:31:20,711
The tire king bankrolls
firestone park.
440
00:31:20,779 --> 00:31:27,517
Started in 1916, construction
continues through the 1920s.
441
00:31:27,519 --> 00:31:29,252
On 1,000 acres of land
442
00:31:29,255 --> 00:31:32,322
He builds not just houses,
443
00:31:32,324 --> 00:31:34,458
But schools, a church,
444
00:31:34,526 --> 00:31:36,860
And even a ymca.
445
00:31:39,531 --> 00:31:41,531
The company spends
nearly $3 million
446
00:31:41,600 --> 00:31:45,802
On facilities for its employees.
447
00:31:45,871 --> 00:31:51,141
Firestone expects
his investment will pay off
448
00:31:51,209 --> 00:31:55,779
In loyalty, compliance,
and hard work.
449
00:31:58,617 --> 00:32:01,885
The three titans,
including an aging edison,
450
00:32:01,887 --> 00:32:04,888
Are filmed here at the end
of the boom decade.
451
00:32:04,890 --> 00:32:07,290
They're confident
in the state of the nation
452
00:32:07,293 --> 00:32:09,626
And the opportunities
that lie ahead.
453
00:32:34,453 --> 00:32:37,254
Narrator: America's economic
rise during the 1920's
454
00:32:37,322 --> 00:32:38,855
Appears limitless.
455
00:32:38,857 --> 00:32:41,658
There are now 30,000
millionaires in the country.
456
00:32:43,929 --> 00:32:50,500
But by 1931, 25,000 of
them will have lost everything.
457
00:32:55,207 --> 00:32:56,873
Fort myers, florida.
458
00:32:56,942 --> 00:33:01,144
February 11, 1931.
459
00:33:01,213 --> 00:33:05,615
It's thomas edison's
84th birthday.
460
00:33:05,617 --> 00:33:08,085
A newsreel captures
harvey firestone
461
00:33:08,153 --> 00:33:10,420
Asking his hearing-impaired idol
462
00:33:10,489 --> 00:33:12,422
About the latest
technological breakthrough
463
00:33:12,491 --> 00:33:14,157
In the movie industry.
464
00:33:14,226 --> 00:33:17,027
Firestone: What do you think
to the sound pictures of today?
465
00:33:17,095 --> 00:33:20,297
Edison: What do I think
of the talking picture?
466
00:33:20,365 --> 00:33:21,698
Firestone: Yeah.
467
00:33:21,700 --> 00:33:23,900
Edison: Uh...
468
00:33:23,902 --> 00:33:27,971
Well, I don't know,
I never heard one.
469
00:33:27,973 --> 00:33:31,307
[laughter]
470
00:33:31,310 --> 00:33:32,709
Narrator: Eight months later,
471
00:33:32,711 --> 00:33:34,978
Stricken by complications
from diabetes,
472
00:33:35,047 --> 00:33:39,116
Edison dies in
his new jersey home.
473
00:33:39,184 --> 00:33:40,784
Americans mourn the genius
474
00:33:40,852 --> 00:33:45,589
Who gave them light bulbs,
movies and the phonograph.
475
00:33:50,062 --> 00:33:52,529
On October 22, 1931,
476
00:33:52,531 --> 00:33:55,532
Thousands line the streets
of west orange
477
00:33:55,534 --> 00:33:58,335
For his funeral procession.
478
00:34:00,605 --> 00:34:03,807
Edison's dream of sending
light, power and heat
479
00:34:03,875 --> 00:34:06,209
To every household
through a wire
480
00:34:06,211 --> 00:34:10,614
Is almost fully realized.
481
00:34:10,682 --> 00:34:15,685
85% of america's urban homes
now have electricity.
482
00:34:15,754 --> 00:34:23,560
♪
483
00:34:23,562 --> 00:34:29,566
Edison's death coincides with a
collapse in america's fortunes.
484
00:34:29,568 --> 00:34:33,070
The country is in the grip
of the great depression.
485
00:34:35,307 --> 00:34:39,376
In 1932, 12 million people
are unemployed,
486
00:34:39,444 --> 00:34:42,312
Nearly a quarter
of the workforce.
487
00:34:45,584 --> 00:34:48,151
Even the newly rich
have been battered.
488
00:34:50,989 --> 00:34:56,059
The number of millionaires
has dropped to 5,000.
489
00:34:56,128 --> 00:35:01,998
The depression is the key issue
in the 1932 presidential race.
490
00:35:02,067 --> 00:35:05,001
Henry ford backs
the incumbent, herbert hoover,
491
00:35:05,070 --> 00:35:07,937
And makes a rare speech
in support.
492
00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:10,941
Ford: It is only common sense
to let him finish his job.
493
00:35:11,009 --> 00:35:14,144
I think of him
as a human-hearted,
494
00:35:14,146 --> 00:35:18,949
Honest-minded,
hardworking hoover.
495
00:35:19,017 --> 00:35:21,885
Narrator: Hoover's opponent,
franklin d. Roosevelt,
496
00:35:21,887 --> 00:35:26,156
Believes that only he can lead
the nation back to prosperity.
497
00:35:26,224 --> 00:35:28,491
Franklin roosevelt: The masses
of the people of the nation
498
00:35:28,494 --> 00:35:32,495
Firmly believe that there is
great and actual possibility
499
00:35:32,498 --> 00:35:36,166
In an orderly recovery
through a well-conceived
500
00:35:36,168 --> 00:35:38,969
And actively directed
plan of action.
501
00:35:39,037 --> 00:35:41,771
Narrator: His landslide victory
marks a change
502
00:35:41,840 --> 00:35:44,074
For american industry.
503
00:35:46,111 --> 00:35:49,312
One titan who's weathering
the great depression well
504
00:35:49,314 --> 00:35:52,649
Is harvey firestone.
505
00:35:52,651 --> 00:35:57,320
In columbiana, ohio,
he still runs his father's farm.
506
00:35:57,322 --> 00:36:01,925
Now he sees opportunity
in the struggles farmers face.
507
00:36:01,993 --> 00:36:06,663
Tractors are a vital
piece of machinery.
508
00:36:06,731 --> 00:36:07,998
But they're
traditionally equipped
509
00:36:08,066 --> 00:36:11,401
With solid steel wheels.
510
00:36:11,469 --> 00:36:13,670
They can cut through
muddy fields
511
00:36:13,672 --> 00:36:16,740
But are slow and
expensive to run.
512
00:36:16,808 --> 00:36:18,608
In typical titan style,
513
00:36:18,677 --> 00:36:23,013
Firestone puts his new
rubber tractor tires on camera.
514
00:36:26,885 --> 00:36:30,420
The new treads can grip mud,
increase speed,
515
00:36:30,422 --> 00:36:33,423
And reduce fuel consumption.
516
00:36:33,425 --> 00:36:37,827
The result: Higher productivity
at lower costs.
517
00:36:37,829 --> 00:36:41,431
A boon to struggling farmers.
518
00:36:41,433 --> 00:36:43,233
To market his new products,
519
00:36:43,235 --> 00:36:48,705
Firestone conceives
a brilliant publicity stunt...
520
00:36:48,773 --> 00:36:53,710
To break the land speed record
using a tractor.
521
00:36:53,778 --> 00:36:58,648
This film from 1935 captures
top racing driver ab jenkins
522
00:36:58,717 --> 00:37:03,319
At the bonneville
salt flats in utah.
523
00:37:03,322 --> 00:37:05,054
"the ride," says jenkins,
524
00:37:05,057 --> 00:37:08,191
"is like being atop
of a frightened bison."
525
00:37:08,193 --> 00:37:14,264
♪
526
00:37:14,266 --> 00:37:17,400
He achieves a speed
of 68 miles per hour,
527
00:37:17,402 --> 00:37:20,070
Faster than any tractor's
gone before.
528
00:37:20,138 --> 00:37:23,540
A record that stands
for 80 years.
529
00:37:23,608 --> 00:37:26,542
Sales of firestone tires soar.
530
00:37:26,545 --> 00:37:27,944
By the end of the decade
531
00:37:27,946 --> 00:37:32,349
Nearly all tractors
run on rubber tires.
532
00:37:32,417 --> 00:37:36,953
But firestone's success
is an exception.
533
00:37:37,022 --> 00:37:43,026
In 1935, industrial unemployment
remains in a critical state.
534
00:37:43,094 --> 00:37:47,163
In ford's detroit, half
the labor force is unemployed.
535
00:37:47,165 --> 00:37:51,368
Over 50,000 are laid off
from river rouge alone.
536
00:37:51,436 --> 00:37:53,103
Those who do keep their jobs
537
00:37:53,171 --> 00:37:56,239
Suffer cuts in working hours
and pay.
538
00:37:56,308 --> 00:37:57,974
[applause]
539
00:37:57,976 --> 00:38:02,111
Roosevelt doesn't wait for
the titans to solve the crisis.
540
00:38:02,114 --> 00:38:05,448
Roosevelt: It is the immediate
task of industry
541
00:38:05,450 --> 00:38:11,721
To re-employ more people
at purchasing wages
542
00:38:11,723 --> 00:38:14,390
And to do it now.
543
00:38:14,393 --> 00:38:17,394
Narrator: Rather than expect
business to recover on its own,
544
00:38:17,462 --> 00:38:19,129
He launches a great experiment
545
00:38:19,197 --> 00:38:24,467
With the national recovery
administration, the nra.
546
00:38:24,536 --> 00:38:27,337
The government now
regulates hours and wages,
547
00:38:27,339 --> 00:38:32,141
Breaking with the traditions
of free enterprise.
548
00:38:32,144 --> 00:38:37,147
And companies are no longer
permitted to compete on price.
549
00:38:37,215 --> 00:38:43,153
Henry ford denounces the nra
as un-american.
550
00:38:43,221 --> 00:38:46,089
The 72-year-old titan
is now a recluse.
551
00:38:46,157 --> 00:38:48,891
Employees remember him climbing
out of his office window
552
00:38:48,894 --> 00:38:51,961
To avoid visitors.
553
00:38:52,030 --> 00:38:54,698
The celebrity automaker
is hounded by the press
554
00:38:54,766 --> 00:38:56,833
At his dearborn family estate.
555
00:38:56,901 --> 00:38:58,101
Man: I'm from
the associated press,
556
00:38:58,169 --> 00:38:59,902
I'd like to get in there
to see mr. Ford.
557
00:38:59,905 --> 00:39:02,839
Man: I'm from the united press,
I want to get down there, too.
558
00:39:02,841 --> 00:39:06,976
Man: I don't care where you're
from, you can't get in here.
559
00:39:06,978 --> 00:39:08,578
Narrator: In 1935,
560
00:39:08,580 --> 00:39:10,847
The supreme court
vindicates ford
561
00:39:10,849 --> 00:39:13,516
And strikes down the nra.
562
00:39:15,653 --> 00:39:20,457
Undeterred, in the same year fdr
pushes through the wagner act,
563
00:39:20,525 --> 00:39:24,327
Recognizing the rights
of workers to organize unions.
564
00:39:24,329 --> 00:39:28,932
It's the biggest labor win
in u.S. History.
565
00:39:29,000 --> 00:39:32,001
Despite his reputation
as a friend to his workers,
566
00:39:32,003 --> 00:39:33,870
Harvey firestone is
one of the first
567
00:39:33,938 --> 00:39:37,073
To feel the new power
of the unions.
568
00:39:37,075 --> 00:39:41,945
In akron, in early 1936,
rubber workers strike.
569
00:39:44,616 --> 00:39:49,352
This never-before-seen footage
captures strikers in 1937
570
00:39:49,421 --> 00:39:52,589
Gathering outside
the firestone factory.
571
00:39:55,560 --> 00:39:59,295
It is believed to be secret
surveillance by company police.
572
00:39:59,297 --> 00:40:02,031
The strike ends
when firestone concedes
573
00:40:02,033 --> 00:40:06,436
To allow workers freedom
to join unions.
574
00:40:06,438 --> 00:40:09,372
Henry ford hates unions.
575
00:40:09,374 --> 00:40:12,708
He's shrewd enough to never
be caught saying so on camera,
576
00:40:12,711 --> 00:40:15,311
But back in 1916, he said,
577
00:40:15,313 --> 00:40:20,784
"unions mean class war,
and I hate war."
578
00:40:23,455 --> 00:40:26,522
In 1935, the united
automobile workers union
579
00:40:26,525 --> 00:40:29,592
Is formed in detroit.
580
00:40:29,594 --> 00:40:32,862
And a year later,
the uaw flexes its muscles
581
00:40:32,864 --> 00:40:37,066
When it takes on general motors.
582
00:40:37,135 --> 00:40:40,603
Alfred p. Sloan runs gm.
583
00:40:40,605 --> 00:40:43,740
It surpassed ford as
the nation's largest car company
584
00:40:43,808 --> 00:40:46,943
Back in 1931.
585
00:40:46,945 --> 00:40:50,279
Sloan and ford are
kindred spirits.
586
00:40:50,282 --> 00:40:53,282
He believes the new deal
will harm big business
587
00:40:53,285 --> 00:40:56,052
And is ready
to fight the unions.
588
00:40:59,290 --> 00:41:02,091
On December 30, 1936,
589
00:41:02,093 --> 00:41:06,095
Uaw-affiliated workers at
gm's plant in flint, michigan,
590
00:41:06,097 --> 00:41:08,565
Deploy a new tactic...
591
00:41:08,633 --> 00:41:10,366
The sit-down strike.
592
00:41:10,368 --> 00:41:14,170
♪ solidarity forever ♪
593
00:41:14,239 --> 00:41:19,375
♪ for the union
makes us strong ♪
594
00:41:19,377 --> 00:41:21,377
Narrator: The men occupy
the factory floor
595
00:41:21,379 --> 00:41:26,849
And lock the doors
to keep strike breakers out.
596
00:41:26,852 --> 00:41:28,985
Numerous attempts by police
to break through
597
00:41:29,053 --> 00:41:32,689
Using tear gas and bullets fail.
598
00:41:35,727 --> 00:41:38,861
The strike lasts 44 days.
599
00:41:38,864 --> 00:41:43,065
And the union wins.
600
00:41:43,068 --> 00:41:45,735
On February 11, 1937,
601
00:41:45,803 --> 00:41:49,739
Sloan announces
a 5% wage increase
602
00:41:49,807 --> 00:41:55,678
And plans to introduce safety
measures on the assembly line.
603
00:41:55,747 --> 00:42:00,083
A titan of industry
has caved to the masses.
604
00:42:00,151 --> 00:42:04,020
But henry ford still holds out.
605
00:42:06,291 --> 00:42:08,157
During the 1930s,
606
00:42:08,159 --> 00:42:12,028
President roosevelt tries
to reshape american industry,
607
00:42:12,096 --> 00:42:17,133
Transferring power from titans
to workers by empowering unions.
608
00:42:20,705 --> 00:42:25,475
But henry ford refuses to permit
unions in his factories.
609
00:42:27,379 --> 00:42:30,380
On may 26, 1937,
610
00:42:30,448 --> 00:42:32,848
The united automobile workers
picket henry ford's
611
00:42:32,851 --> 00:42:36,319
Vast river rouge plant
in dearborn, michigan.
612
00:42:41,726 --> 00:42:44,994
Ford unleashes
his notorious security team
613
00:42:44,996 --> 00:42:47,730
Against the union members.
614
00:42:47,799 --> 00:42:50,466
The detroit news photographs
uaw leaders
615
00:42:50,535 --> 00:42:53,202
Walter reuther and
richard frankensteen
616
00:42:53,271 --> 00:42:56,405
After the battle.
617
00:42:56,408 --> 00:43:00,476
Ford now stands alone.
618
00:43:00,545 --> 00:43:04,814
His friend harvey firestone
dies in February 1938.
619
00:43:07,485 --> 00:43:11,087
Two months later, fdr invites
ford to the white house
620
00:43:11,155 --> 00:43:14,557
To settle their differences.
621
00:43:14,626 --> 00:43:16,492
Cameras capture
the industrialist
622
00:43:16,494 --> 00:43:19,762
Leaving his meeting
with the president.
623
00:43:19,764 --> 00:43:22,298
Their conversation
was never documented,
624
00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:24,500
But the two men still
don't see eye to eye
625
00:43:24,502 --> 00:43:27,937
On government intervention
in industry.
626
00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:37,513
Ford won't recognize
the unions until 1941.
627
00:43:37,515 --> 00:43:39,649
[artillery fire]
628
00:43:39,651 --> 00:43:45,187
The same year that america
enters world war ii.
629
00:43:45,190 --> 00:43:47,990
For the second time in his life,
ford finds himself
630
00:43:47,993 --> 00:43:51,227
On the front line
of military production.
631
00:43:53,865 --> 00:43:57,667
But he's no longer the boss
of ford motor company.
632
00:43:57,735 --> 00:43:59,936
It's his son edsel
who begins construction
633
00:44:00,004 --> 00:44:03,472
Of the mile-long aircraft plant
willow run
634
00:44:03,475 --> 00:44:07,176
Designed to be the biggest
factory in the world.
635
00:44:11,149 --> 00:44:16,485
But in 1943, edsel ford
dies of stomach cancer.
636
00:44:16,488 --> 00:44:18,821
Henry, now 80,
637
00:44:18,823 --> 00:44:23,826
Returns to lead the company--
a controversial move.
638
00:44:23,895 --> 00:44:29,965
A frail octogenarian is running
a cornerstone of the war effort.
639
00:44:29,968 --> 00:44:33,436
The company begins to lose
$10 million a month,
640
00:44:33,504 --> 00:44:37,774
Which fdr calls a threat
to national security.
641
00:44:37,842 --> 00:44:40,176
He considers a full
government takeover
642
00:44:40,244 --> 00:44:43,646
Of his old foe's business.
643
00:44:43,648 --> 00:44:49,051
Eventually fdr pulls henry's
eldest grandson, henry ford ii,
644
00:44:49,054 --> 00:44:51,387
Out of the military
645
00:44:51,389 --> 00:44:55,992
To ensure the ford company
delivers for the nation.
646
00:44:56,060 --> 00:45:08,337
♪
647
00:45:08,339 --> 00:45:12,074
By 1944, willow run is
one of the most vital cogs
648
00:45:12,077 --> 00:45:14,010
In the war machine.
649
00:45:16,748 --> 00:45:19,482
A shiny, new
b-24 liberator bomber
650
00:45:19,484 --> 00:45:21,150
Rolls off the production line
651
00:45:21,152 --> 00:45:26,355
Every hour, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
652
00:45:28,559 --> 00:45:30,426
The ford motor company
is not alone
653
00:45:30,495 --> 00:45:35,231
In assembling fdr's
"arsenal of democracy."
654
00:45:35,299 --> 00:45:39,368
By v-j day, america is
a global superpower,
655
00:45:39,370 --> 00:45:42,939
Drawing strength from
its industrial might.
656
00:45:45,910 --> 00:45:52,114
Manufacturers have constructed
more than 3 million vehicles...
657
00:45:52,117 --> 00:45:57,453
Nearly 7,000 warships...
658
00:45:57,522 --> 00:46:02,592
And 300,000 planes.
659
00:46:02,660 --> 00:46:05,795
Aviation has
eclipsed automobiles
660
00:46:05,797 --> 00:46:10,199
As america's largest industry.
661
00:46:10,201 --> 00:46:11,667
20 years after he was filmed
662
00:46:11,736 --> 00:46:14,069
Sitting on
his grandfather's knee,
663
00:46:14,072 --> 00:46:18,274
Henry ford ii takes over
as president of the company.
664
00:46:18,342 --> 00:46:22,611
He leads it to become the second
largest carmaker in the world.
665
00:46:22,614 --> 00:46:25,915
But the days of
the great titans are over.
666
00:46:27,485 --> 00:46:33,422
In April 1947, at age 83,
henry ford dies.
667
00:46:33,491 --> 00:46:35,158
The trailblazer doesn't live
668
00:46:35,226 --> 00:46:40,963
To see his youngest grandson's
marriage two months later.
669
00:46:40,965 --> 00:46:42,364
Reporter: William ford the groom
670
00:46:42,367 --> 00:46:44,634
Is attended by his best man
and ushers.
671
00:46:44,702 --> 00:46:47,102
A crowd of neighbors is on hand
to admire the bride,
672
00:46:47,105 --> 00:46:50,640
Miss martha firestone, and
her breathtaking wedding gown
673
00:46:50,708 --> 00:46:54,110
Of rare antique rose point
and duchess lace over silk
674
00:46:54,178 --> 00:46:56,512
And its long train.
675
00:46:56,514 --> 00:46:58,981
Narrator: The industrial
dynasties are joined
676
00:46:59,050 --> 00:47:01,717
When in akron,
william ford marries
677
00:47:01,786 --> 00:47:06,722
Harvey firestone's
granddaughter martha.
678
00:47:06,791 --> 00:47:09,124
The crowds and news coverage
are a testimony
679
00:47:09,127 --> 00:47:13,229
To the titans' enduring mastery
of the art of celebrity.
680
00:47:18,669 --> 00:47:22,405
The three titans have helped
transform the united states
681
00:47:22,473 --> 00:47:28,210
Into a behemoth, the most
dominant economy in history.
682
00:47:28,213 --> 00:47:31,280
Like the giants
of silicon valley today,
683
00:47:31,282 --> 00:47:33,282
Their insatiable
drive to innovate
684
00:47:33,351 --> 00:47:38,621
Earned them fame and
seemingly boundless success.
685
00:47:38,689 --> 00:47:43,225
The industries they created
fueled the rise of great cities,
686
00:47:43,228 --> 00:47:45,361
Though some were fated
to decline
687
00:47:45,363 --> 00:47:47,830
And become the rust belt.
688
00:47:47,832 --> 00:47:50,366
The titans'
immense contributions
689
00:47:50,434 --> 00:47:53,836
And their legendary stories
live on
690
00:47:53,838 --> 00:47:57,773
As emblems of the enduring
american dream.
59989
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