Detroit was once a mecca for workers pursuing the American dream. In the early 1900s, an innovative inventor named Henry Ford brought mass production of the automobile to this area, transforming Detroit into a beacon of opportunity and economic success for many. This automotive industry has been the basis of Detroit's economy for decades; however, it's not like it used to be. Throughout the 20th century the automotive industry had many ups and downs. Many factors have led to the recent downturn in this industry which has led to mass layoffs and worker layoffs, which has negatively impacted Detroit, as well as the US economy. For starters, Motor City wouldn't be Motor City if it were. t for Henry Ford and other automotive innovators. The Bentley Historical Library (University of Michigan) has studied the roots of the automotive industries. The article provides enough information about the mass production ideas of Ford and GM. They brought new ideas, new methods and new buildings to the city. Thousands of people have migrated to the city center for the many jobs offered in the automotive manufacturing sector. Ford had presented “Five Dollar a Day Job”. He was offering enthusiastic workers a sum of money for their labor contribution. The news of Ford's proposal spread like wildfire among the American population, through newspapers and constant chatter. African Americans retreated to the North to leave the oppressive and segregated South. Poles, Germans, and other European groups also flocked to Detroit to get their share of the work. Henry Ford needed an immense workforce to run his industrial empire. Essentially, they all immigrated to Detroit in search of economic opportunity and a stable life. From here, production and growth could only get richer. The auto factory... at the center of the paper... is the $5 a day revolution." Ford. Ford Motor Company. Web. March 23. 2012. Hughes, Alan. "Can Detroit be saved?" ProQuest. Earl G. Graves Publishing Company, November 2009. Web, March 24, 2012. .Lane, Amy in 2Q.” Crain's Detroit Business (2001): 5. General One File. Web. March 24, 2012. Nolan, Jenny. “Willow Run and the Arsenal of Democracy.” Detnews.com. Detroit News, January 28, 1997. Web. March 24, 2012. Ritter, Joe. March 1, 2012. Stoffer, Harry. “DETROIT GETS THE COLD SHOULDER” Automotive News 83.6334 (2008): 1+ 2008. Web. March 25. 2012. .