Slavery in America — Reading Comprehension

Slavery began in America in the early 1600s. People from Africa were taken by force on ships and sold as slaves. They had to work hard without pay. Many slaves worked on plantations in the South. A plantation is a large farm where crops like cotton and tobacco grow.

Life as a slave was very hard. Families could be separated. Slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. They had to follow the rules of slave owners. But even in these hard times, many enslaved people showed great bravery. They helped each other and kept hope alive.

Some brave people tried to escape. The Underground Railroad was a secret way for slaves to run away to free states in the North. People like Harriet Tubman risked their lives to help others escape. Harriet Tubman said, "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger."

The fight against slavery grew strong. Many people, called abolitionists, spoke out to end slavery. They worked together, shared stories, and used newspapers to spread their message. Their hard work helped others understand why slavery was wrong.

Slavery finally ended after the Civil War. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment made slavery illegal in the United States. After many years, enslaved people became free and began to build new lives.

Interesting Fact: Some enslaved people used songs with secret messages to help them escape on the Underground Railroad.

When did slavery start in America?

Who helped people escape slavery?

What did the Thirteenth Amendment do?

Why was the Underground Railroad important?

How did abolitionists fight slavery?

What was a plantation?

Slavery ended after the Civil War. True or false?

What does 'bravery' mean in the passage?