Cottage Industry vs. Factories — Reading Comprehension

During the Industrial Revolution, the way people worked and made goods in the United States changed greatly. Before factories, most goods were made by hand at home. This was called the cottage industry. Families would spin thread, weave cloth, or make shoes in their own homes. Each person had a special skill. They worked together and made only a few items at a time.

Life in the cottage industry was slow but steady. People controlled their own time. They could take breaks when needed. Children often helped their parents. Sometimes they learned the same trade. Most products were sold to neighbors or local shops. It was hard to make many goods quickly. This meant items were often expensive and took a long time to finish.

As the country grew, people wanted more goods. New inventions like the spinning jenny and steam engine made work faster. Soon, factories began to appear. A factory is a large building where many workers and machines make things together. Instead of working at home, people went to the factory each day. They worked set hours and did the same task over and over.

Factories could make many items in less time. This made things cheaper for everyone. For example, one worker might attach buttons while another sewed sleeves. This is called the assembly line. It helped workers finish products much faster. But factory work could be hard. The rooms were noisy and crowded. Sometimes, children worked in factories, too. They worked long hours for little pay.

Factory owners became very rich. But workers often wanted better pay and safer jobs. This led to important changes. People formed unions to speak up for workers. Laws were made to protect workers and children. These changes were part of the Progressive Era. This was a time when many people worked to make life better for everyone.

Today, most goods are made in factories. But the story of the cottage industry and factories shows how new ideas can change the world. People learned to solve problems and work together to build a better future.

Interesting Fact: In the early 1900s, some children as young as eight worked in factories in the United States.

What is a cottage industry?

Which invention helped factories grow?

Who often helped parents in cottage industries?

Why did people form unions?

How did the assembly line help?

What was one effect of factories?

Factory work was always easy. True or false?

What is a factory?