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Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
RI.4.10

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This engaging history reading passage explores the life and leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his creation of the New Deal programs during the Great Depression. Students will learn about Roosevelt’s election as president, the challenges America faced during the 1930s, and how the New Deal helped create jobs and hope for millions of Americans. With a clear, chronological narrative, this passage highlights important vocabulary, cause-and-effect relationships, and the problem-solving spirit of the nation at that time. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing questions to encourage historical thinking, and a timeline to reinforce key events. The passage is aligned with the C3 Framework for Social Studies and Common Core ELA standards. Read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation are included, making it accessible for all learners. This resource is perfect for building foundational knowledge of U.S. history and supporting literacy skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

FDR-Labor-Day-1941-radio-address.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - FDR Presidential Library & Museum, Source=[https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdrlibrary/9067857425/ 47-96 1520] |Date=2004-09-15 09:38 |Author=[https://www.flickr.com/people/54078784@N08 FDR Presidential Library & Museum]

The Great Depression was a time of hardship for millions of Americans. Many people lost their jobs, homes, and savings. Banks failed, and families struggled to buy food. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, also called FDR, became President of the United States. He promised to help the country recover from these difficult times.

FDR believed the government should take action to solve big problems. He created a series of programs called the New Deal. The New Deal aimed to give people jobs, protect their bank savings, and offer hope. FDR spoke to Americans through radio talks known as “Fireside Chats.” These talks made people feel less afraid and more united.

One way the New Deal helped was by creating jobs. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) hired young men to plant trees and build parks. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built roads, schools, and hospitals. These programs gave people work and helped communities grow stronger.

The New Deal also worked to fix the banking system. The government set up the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to protect people’s savings. This meant that even if a bank closed, people would not lose all their money. Because of this, people began to trust banks again.

FDR’s New Deal changed the way Americans saw their government. People saw that the government could help solve national problems. The programs gave hope to the nation and helped many families survive hard times. FDR’s leadership brought new ideas and courage to the country.

Today, some New Deal programs still exist. The Social Security Act, started during the New Deal, helps older Americans with money when they retire. The New Deal showed how strong leadership and bold ideas can help a nation recover.

Interesting Fact: FDR was the only U.S. President elected four times. He led the country through both the Great Depression and most of World War II.

Who was President during the New Deal?

Franklin D. RooseveltAbraham LincolnJohn F. KennedyGeorge Washington

What did the New Deal create?

JobsCarsMoviesSports teams

Which program protected bank savings?

FDICCCCWPANASA

Why did FDR give Fireside Chats?

To make people feel saferTo announce sports newsTo start a new warTo talk about music

What was a main goal of the New Deal?

Help Americans recoverBuild new citiesWin a warInvent computers

What did the Social Security Act do?

Help older Americans with moneyPlant treesBuild roadsStart new banks