Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

The Great Depression: Hard Times — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1-4.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
RI.5.3
RI.5.4

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This U.S. history reading passage explores the Great Depression, a time of struggle and resilience in the United States during the 1930s. Students will learn about the causes and effects of the economic crisis, the impact on families, and the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The passage highlights themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving, encouraging students to understand the significance of these events. It features a glossary of key terms, a multiple-choice quiz, and writing activities designed to reinforce comprehension and critical thinking. A timeline outlines major events, and a Spanish translation is included for accessibility. This passage and its activities are aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it an excellent resource for social studies classrooms. Read aloud audio support is available to enhance learning for all students.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Great Depression Unemployed_men_queued_outside_a_depression_soup_kitchen — National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Great Depression began in the United States in 1929. It was the worst economic crisis in American history. During this time, many people lost their jobs, homes, and savings. Banks failed, businesses closed, and families faced great hardship.

One of the main causes of the Great Depression was the stock market crash in October 1929. People had invested their money in stocks, hoping to become rich. When the stock market crashed, the value of stocks fell quickly. Many people lost all their savings.

Banks did not have enough money to help everyone. When people rushed to take out their money, many banks closed. Without banks to lend money, businesses could not pay their workers. This led to high unemployment, which means many people could not find jobs. Families had little money for food, clothes, or shelter.

Life was especially hard for farmers. Crops failed because of droughts and dust storms in the Midwest, known as the Dust Bowl. Many families left their farms and traveled to other states to find work. Cities built soup kitchens to give food to people in need. Some families lived in tents or makeshift homes called "Hoovervilles."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in 1933. He introduced the "New Deal," a set of programs to help people find work and support their families. The government created jobs building roads, schools, and parks. These programs helped many people survive the toughest years of the Depression.

Even though times were hard, Americans showed bravery and unity. Communities worked together to help one another. People shared what little they had. The Great Depression finally ended when the United States entered World War II in 1941. The war created new jobs in factories and the economy improved.

The Great Depression changed the country. It taught Americans the importance of working together during tough times. It also led to new laws to protect people's money in banks and to support families in need.

Interesting Fact: During the Great Depression, some children wrote letters to the president asking for clothes or food for their families.

When did the Great Depression begin?

1929193919141941

Who was president during the New Deal?

Franklin D. RooseveltHerbert HooverAbraham LincolnGeorge Washington

What was the Dust Bowl?

A drought and dust stormsA food marketA bank programA war

Why did banks close?

People rushed to get savingsWar startedToo much rainNew Deal laws

What was one effect of unemployment?

Families had little moneyMore crops grewFactories openedHouses were built

How did Americans show unity?