Henry Ford's defining contributions to industrialization include pioneering the assembly line production technique, which revolutionized manufacturing efficiency. His introduction of the Model T transformed the automotive industry, making cars affordable for the average American. Ford’s implementation of standardized parts and mass production methods set the standard for modern industry. His philosophy of paying workers a decent wage aligned with the notion that higher salaries lead to increased productivity and consumer spending. Ford's innovations not only reshaped the economy but also transformed societal norms around work and consumerism, marking him as a key figure in industrial development.