Posted this a while back. I figured it wasn't provocative enough of a title, or at least sounded overly ideological and not based on a request for rigorous historical study into what really happened.

I've read on Reason.com and other libertarian sources that it was automobile tycoon Henry Ford who brought the 8 hour day to U.S. labor markets. Proving that the eight hour day brought about greater returns in efficiency, other firms in other sectors joined in creating what is the modern-day work week.

This goes against the claims of trade unionists, liberals and others, who play up the role of the labor movement in pushing for and finally legislating the eight hour day in.

Is there any validity in this claim?