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California Bracero Program — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.5-6
D2.HIS.2.5-6
RI.5.3
RI.5.4
W.5.2

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This passage explores the history of the Bracero Program, which brought Mexican farmworkers to the United States during World War II. Students will learn about the causes and effects of this program, including how it helped both countries during a time of need. The passage is written for upper elementary learners and emphasizes clear, chronological storytelling. It includes a glossary of key terms, a timeline of important events, and activities such as a multiple-choice quiz and a writing prompt to help students connect past events with the present. The content is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it a valuable resource for history and literacy instruction. This resource also offers a Spanish translation and read aloud audio, supporting bilingual and diverse classrooms.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The California Bracero Program was a special agreement between the United States and Mexico. It started in 1942, during World War II, when there were not enough workers to harvest crops on American farms. The U.S. government needed help to grow and pick food. Many American men were away fighting in the war. To solve this problem, a deal was made with Mexico to bring in guest workers called braceros. The word "bracero" comes from the Spanish word for "arm," showing the hard work done by hand.

Millions of Mexican men signed up to be braceros. They traveled from their homes in Mexico to work in California and other states. Most of them worked in the fields, picking fruits and vegetables like strawberries, tomatoes, and lettuce. The braceros helped keep American farms running and made sure people had enough food during the war. They often worked long hours under the hot sun and lived in simple camps near the farms.

The Bracero Program was supposed to be temporary. But after the war ended in 1945, the program continued because there were still not enough farm workers in the United States. Farmers and the government saw how important the braceros were for growing food. The program lasted for more than 20 years, ending in 1964. Over this time, more than four million braceros worked in the U.S.

Braceros faced many challenges. Some did not get paid fairly or lived in poor conditions. Still, many braceros were proud to help their families and to support the United States during a hard time. Their hard work helped shape California’s farming industry and brought new ideas and cultures to American communities.

The Bracero Program is important because it shows how people from different countries can work together to solve problems. It also teaches us how immigration and labor have shaped the United States. Today, many families in California and across the country remember the braceros and their contributions.

Interesting Fact: Some braceros returned to Mexico, but many stayed and became part of American life, helping to build strong communities.

When did the Bracero Program start?

1942192919641950

Who were the braceros?

Mexican farm workersAmerican soldiersCalifornia teachersU.S. government officials

Why did the U.S. need braceros?

Farm labor shortageTo build roadsTo open schoolsTo start businesses

How did the Bracero Program affect California farming?

It helped farms stay openIt made farms closeIt ended farmingIt reduced crop growth

What is one challenge braceros faced?

Not paid fairlyToo much free timeNo food to eatNo crops to pick

What does the program teach us about countries?