Industrial Revolution Pollution — Reading Comprehension

The Industrial Revolution changed the way people lived and worked in the United States. In the late 1800s, new machines and factories made it easier to produce goods. Many people moved to cities to find jobs. These new jobs helped families earn money, but they also caused new problems.

One big problem was pollution. Factories burned coal to run machines. This sent thick, black smoke into the air. The sky above cities often turned gray. People had trouble breathing. Ash and soot covered homes and streets. Rivers near factories became dirty. Factories dumped waste and chemicals into the water. Fish and plants in the rivers died. People could not drink the water or use it to wash clothes.

Children worked in many factories. They spent long hours in dirty air. It was hard for them to stay healthy. Some children wrote letters to city leaders. They said, "We are tired and sick from the smoke." These words helped adults see the need for change.

During the Progressive Era, people began to work together to fix these problems. Leaders made new laws. Factories had to clean their smoke before it left the building. Cities started to build better sewers and water systems. Groups of workers joined together. They asked for safer jobs and cleaner air. Some people planted trees and cleaned up parks. They showed that everyone could help protect the earth.

Over time, these changes made cities safer and healthier. People learned that teamwork and new ideas could solve big problems. Today, we still work to keep our air and water clean. The story of the Industrial Revolution teaches us that we can make a difference.

Interesting Fact: In some cities, factory smoke was so thick that people needed to use lamps during the day!

What did factories burn to run machines?

What covered homes and streets?

Who wrote letters to city leaders?

Why did people move to cities?

What did new laws require factories to do?

How did groups of workers help?

The sky above cities turned gray. True or false?

What is a factory?