* Mass Production: Ford's innovative assembly line dramatically reduced production costs, making the Model T significantly cheaper than previous automobiles. This efficiency was key to its affordability.
* Standardization: The Model T had a relatively simple design with few variations, further lowering production costs and simplifying maintenance. This meant fewer parts to manufacture and stock, boosting efficiency.
* Lower Price: The resulting lower price made the car attainable for a growing middle class and even some working-class families. This was a major shift, as cars had previously been luxury items for the wealthy.
* Easy Maintenance: Its relatively simple design also made it easier to maintain and repair, reducing the overall cost of ownership for the average person.
While it wasn't perfectly accessible to *everyone* (rural populations and the extremely poor still faced significant barriers), the Model T significantly broadened car ownership beyond a tiny elite. This increased mobility and contributed to a more interconnected and mobile society, hence the "democratic" label.
