The Rise of California Agriculture — Reading Comprehension

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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 reading passage explores the rise of California agriculture during the Progressive Era, focusing on how farming changed the state and the nation. Students will learn about the challenges faced by early farmers, the development of irrigation systems, and the impact of new technology and migrant workers. The passage is written clearly for young readers and supports key history and literacy skills, aligning with C3 Framework and Common Core Standards. Activities include a timeline, quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer. Also included are read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation to support diverse learners. Key vocabulary is highlighted for comprehension. This is an ideal resource for teaching about the growth of agriculture and its role in U.S. history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Group of people picking dewberries (blackberries), Riverside(?), California, ca.1900-1920 (CHS-1568)" by Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

California became an important farming state in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its rich soil and sunny weather helped farmers grow many crops. People from all over the world came to California to work and start new lives.

At first, farming in California was hard. Water was scarce in many places. Farmers needed new ways to bring water to their fields. They built large water canals and ditches. These systems are called irrigation. Irrigation helped turn dry land into green farms.

Many workers, called migrants, traveled from far away to help pick fruit and vegetables. Some came from other states or countries. They worked in fields, orchards, and vineyards. Their hard work made California famous for its crops.

New machines helped farmers grow and harvest more food. The tractor pulled heavy tools and made it easier to plant seeds. Factories and railroads helped carry crops to cities across the country. This made California’s farming business grow even more.

During the Progressive Era, leaders wanted to make life better for workers and farmers. They made laws to protect workers and improve working conditions. One leader said, "We must care for those who feed our nation." These changes helped more families live and work safely on farms.

Agriculture changed California’s towns and cities. New jobs brought more people. Schools and stores were built. Communities grew as people worked together to solve problems. Farming helped shape the state’s future.

Today, California is still the top farming state in the United States. People everywhere enjoy fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in its fields.

Interesting Fact: California grows more than half of the fruits and vegetables eaten in the United States!

Why was farming hard at first?

Water was scarceToo much rainToo many animalsNot enough sun

What did farmers build for water?

Irrigation canals and ditchesTall fencesBig barnsWindmills

Who worked in the fields and orchards?

Migrant workersTeachersDoctorsPolicemen

How did tractors help farmers?

Pulled heavy toolsPlanted treesBuilt roadsCooked food

What was one effect of new laws?

Better working conditionsFewer cropsLess waterSlower trains