Farms, Factories, and Growing Cities — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the dramatic changes in America during the Progressive Era, focusing on the rise of farms, factories, and growing cities from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Students will learn how new machines and inventions helped farmers and factory workers, why people moved from rural areas to crowded cities, and how famous reformers worked to make life better for everyone. The passage uses clear, simple language and highlights important events, people, and cause-and-effect relationships. It is aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a graphic organizer, and a timeline. This resource also features a glossary with key vocabulary, a Spanish translation, and a read aloud audio option. Ideal for building foundational literacy and historical understanding while meeting key educational standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Noon Hour in a Furniture Factory, Indianapolis, Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana.
Source: Library of Congress - Hine, Lewis Wickes, 1874-1940

The late 1800s and early 1900s were a time of big change in the United States. Farms, factories, and cities all grew quickly. New machines helped farmers grow more food. The country began to look very different.

In the countryside, many people lived on farms. Farmers used horses and hand tools to plant and harvest crops. Then, new machines like the steel plow and the tractor made farming easier and faster. People could grow more wheat, corn, and other crops than ever before. This meant more food for everyone.

At the same time, factories started to appear in towns and cities. Factories made goods like clothes, shoes, and tools. New inventions like the light bulb and telephone changed how people lived and worked. Many people left their farms and moved to the cities to work in factories.

Cities grew crowded as thousands of people arrived. Some people came from other countries. They were called immigrants. Immigrants hoped for a better life in America. They worked hard in factories, built railroads, and helped grow the nation.

Life in the cities was not always easy. Many families lived in small apartments. Children sometimes worked in factories, too. Reformers like Jane Addams wanted to help. She opened Hull House in Chicago to give people food, education, and care. Laws slowly changed to protect workers and children.

Some leaders spoke out for change. President Theodore Roosevelt said, "The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us." He worked to make food safer and stop unfair business practices. The government made new rules to protect people.

The country kept growing. New transportation like trains and streetcars helped people travel and move goods. The United States became a land of hope and opportunity. People from many places, with different skills and dreams, helped build the nation together.

Interesting Fact: In the early 1900s, over one million children worked in factories, mines, and farms across the United States.

What did new farm machines help do?

Grow more foodMake clothesBuild housesStart factories

Who moved to cities for factory jobs?

FarmersPoliceTeachersDoctors

Who opened Hull House in Chicago?

Jane AddamsTheodore RooseveltThomas EdisonA railroad worker

Why did immigrants come to America?

For a better lifeTo be soldiersTo visit familyTo go on vacation

How did new transportation help cities?

People traveled and moved goodsIt made farming harderIt stopped factoriesIt closed schools

What did President Roosevelt work to stop?