Industrial Revolution Cities — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

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 passage explores the growth and transformation of American cities during the Industrial Revolution, a key part of the Progressive Era. Students will learn how new machines and factories changed the way people lived and worked, drawing millions to cities in search of jobs. The passage discusses the challenges families faced, including crowded housing and child labor, as well as the efforts of reformers to improve city life. The content also explains how these changes shaped modern America, highlighting important vocabulary and cause-and-effect relationships. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer, all designed to meet C3 Framework and Common Core standards. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided to support diverse learners. This resource is perfect for building foundational literacy and history skills while learning about an important era in U.S. history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Industrial-Revolution-Cities — The Industrial Revolution changed many cities in the United States.

The Industrial Revolution changed many cities in the United States. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, new machines made it possible to build goods quickly and cheaply. Many factories opened in cities like New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. People moved from farms to cities to find work in these new factories.

City life was busy and crowded. Families often lived in small apartments called tenements. These buildings were close together. Many families shared bathrooms and kitchens. Streets were filled with horses, carts, and people going to work. Factories made the air smoky and dirty.

Many immigrants came to America during this time. They wanted better jobs and lives for their families. Some worked in factories, while others opened shops or sold goods in the city. Children often worked, too, because families needed money. Young boys and girls worked in textile mills, coal mines, or on the streets as newsboys.

Factory work was hard and sometimes dangerous. People worked long hours, often from sunrise to sunset. Some children worked 10 hours a day. A reformer named Jane Addams tried to help. She opened Hull House in Chicago, a place where poor families could learn and get help. She once said, "Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics." Her work inspired others to help improve city life.

As cities grew, problems like disease and pollution increased. But people worked together to fix these problems. Reformers made new laws for safer factories and better homes. Over time, cities became healthier and safer. Many people believed in a better future and worked hard to make it happen.

Interesting Fact: In 1900, more than 40% of Americans lived in cities, a huge change from earlier times.

Which cities grew during the Industrial Revolution?

New York and ChicagoLos Angeles and DallasMiami and DenverHouston and Seattle

Who moved to cities for factory jobs?

Farmers and immigrantsOnly teachersOnly doctorsOnly soldiers

What did children do in cities?

Worked in factoriesStayed home all dayWent to collegeTraveled by train

Why did cities become crowded?

People moved for jobsPeople wanted quietCities had more parksFarms were bigger

What was Jane Addams known for?

Helping poor familiesBuilding factoriesOwning farmsInventing machines

How did cities become safer?