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Hoovervilles: Cities Made of Cardboard and Scraps — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2
SL.4.1

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This history reading passage explores the rise of Hoovervilles during the Great Depression in the United States. Students learn how people built whole neighborhoods from cardboard, wood scraps, and anything they could find after losing their homes and jobs. The passage covers the causes and effects of the Great Depression, the daily life and community spirit within Hoovervilles, and how people helped one another in hard times. Aligned to C3 Framework history standards and Common Core ELA standards (RI, W), this resource includes a glossary of key terms, a timeline of events, a multiple-choice quiz, and writing activities. Also included are a Spanish translation and a public domain photograph. This resource is ideal for building historical understanding and literacy skills, with read aloud audio and engaging, standards-based activities.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Hooverville. Portland, Oregon.
Source: Library of Congress - Rothstein, Arthur, 1915-1985

The Great Depression was a time when many American families lost their jobs and homes. People could not find work, and banks closed. Many became homeless. With nowhere to go, thousands of families built their own shelters in open areas. These camps became known as Hoovervilles. They were named after President Herbert Hoover, who was blamed for not solving the crisis quickly.

Hoovervilles popped up in cities all over the country. People used whatever they could find to make their homes. They built small shacks from cardboard, tin, wood scraps, and old blankets. Some shelters had only a roof and no floor. Others were just tents. There was no running water or electricity in these camps. Life was very hard, but people tried to help each other.

Families living in Hoovervilles worked together to survive. Adults searched for food and jobs every day. Children gathered firewood and helped with chores. Many families grew small gardens or raised chickens to have enough to eat. Some people shared meals with their neighbors. They also formed small groups to keep the camp safe and clean.

Life in Hoovervilles was not easy. Rain and cold weather made the shacks wet and uncomfortable. Disease spread quickly because there was no plumbing. Even so, people showed great determination. They found creative ways to make their lives better. Some started schools or churches right in the camp. Kids played games together and tried to have fun, even during tough times.

Over time, the government began to help. New programs created jobs and built better housing. Slowly, families left Hoovervilles as the economy improved. By the early 1940s, most of the shanty towns were gone. The story of Hoovervilles shows how Americans worked together and never gave up, even during hard times.

Interesting Fact: The largest Hooverville was in Seattle, Washington, and lasted almost ten years, housing hundreds of people at its peak.

What were Hoovervilles made of?

Cardboard and scrap metalBricks and stoneGlass and steelPlastic and rubber

Why were they called Hoovervilles?

Named after President HooverNamed after a cityNamed after a riverNamed after a company

Where was the largest Hooverville?

Seattle, WashingtonChicago, IllinoisNew York, New YorkLos Angeles, California

Why did people build Hoovervilles?

They lost homes and jobsThey wanted to travelThey needed more spaceThey liked camping

How did families survive in Hoovervilles?

Worked together and sharedLived aloneTraveled every dayBuilt big houses

What was one problem in Hoovervilles?