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Internet Revolution 1990s — Reading Comprehension

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

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This passage examines the Internet Revolution of the 1990s, a pivotal era in U.S. and global history that radically transformed communication, information sharing, and business. Students will learn about the development of the World Wide Web, its impact on daily life, and the challenges and opportunities it created. The passage addresses complexities, such as the digital divide and privacy concerns, and models historical reasoning by comparing pre- and post-Internet societies. Vocabulary words are highlighted and explained, ensuring students build both content knowledge and literacy skills. This comprehensive resource includes a rigorous reading passage, glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, timeline, and both English and Spanish translations. The materials align with HSS 11.11 and CCSS.RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.6, supporting history and ELA standards. All content is supported by a relevant public domain image, read aloud audio, and a differentiated version for accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Acrylic painting depicting people connecting through a global network of computers. — Artist Representation of the Internet Revolution: Connecting people and information across the globe.

The internet revolution of the 1990s stands as one of the most significant changes in modern U.S. history. Before this era, people mainly communicated through letters, landline telephones, and print media. However, the arrival of the World Wide Web, a system that allowed users to access and share information digitally, caused a dramatic transformation in how Americans—and eventually, the world—exchanged ideas and conducted business.

At the heart of this revolution was new technology. The World Wide Web, created by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, became publicly accessible in the early 1990s. This breakthrough meant that anyone with a computer and a phone line could connect to millions of pages of information. Early web browsers such as Mosaic and Netscape made the internet easy to use for ordinary people, not just scientists or government workers. This shift democratized knowledge, allowing more people to participate in global conversations.

Despite its promise, the internet also presented challenges. Not everyone had access to computers or high-speed connections, leading to a digital divide between those who could benefit from technology and those who could not. Concerns about privacy and security grew as more personal and financial information was shared online. Businesses had to adapt quickly, as new companies emerged and old ones struggled to keep up with rapid changes.

The impact of the internet on communication was profound. Email replaced most handwritten letters, and online chat made it possible to talk instantly with people across the globe. News spread faster than ever before, and social networks began to connect individuals with shared interests regardless of distance. This increased the pace of globalization, as information, ideas, and products crossed borders more easily than at any point in history.

However, the internet also changed the way people work and do business. Online shopping, known as e-commerce, transformed retail by making it possible to buy goods without leaving home. Companies like Amazon and eBay became household names. The rise of digital information created new jobs in web design, programming, and cybersecurity, but also made some older jobs—such as typesetting and traditional mail delivery—less common.

In summary, the internet revolution of the 1990s was a period of extraordinary innovation and adaptation. It solved many problems of distance and speed in communication, but also brought new challenges involving access, privacy, and the pace of change. The effects of this era continue to shape how Americans and people worldwide interact, learn, and do business today.

Interesting Fact: The first website ever created is still online today and can be visited at info.cern.ch—it was published in 1991.

Who created the World Wide Web?

Tim Berners-LeeBill GatesSteve JobsJeff Bezos

In what decade did the Internet revolution begin?

1990s1980s2000s1970s

What does 'e-commerce' mean?

Buying onlineSending emailProgrammingReading news

How did the internet affect communication?

Made it fasterSlowed it downStopped itOnly in schools

What problem did the 'digital divide' cause?

Not everyone had accessToo many computersNo privacyToo much paper

Why was the World Wide Web important?