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The Transcontinental Railroad: Linking East and West — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the story of the Transcontinental Railroad, a key achievement of the Industrial Revolution. Students will learn about the people, events, and challenges that shaped the building of the railroad and how it united the East and West of the United States. The passage highlights themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving, and is written in clear language for young readers. Included are a glossary of vocabulary words, a multiple-choice quiz, a timeline of important events, and a writing activity to deepen understanding. The passage is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards and is accompanied by a Spanish translation and read aloud audio. This resource is ideal for building literacy and historical knowledge about a defining moment in American history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

5. East portal of Tunnel 41, contextual view to west-northwest, 135mm lens. Summit of Mount Judah, named for the visionary engineer who conceived and mapped the route of the first transcontinental railroad, rises above the tunnel. - Central Pacific Transcontinental Railroad, Tunnel No. 41, Milepost 193.3, Donner, Placer County, CA.
Source: Library of Congress - Anderson, Ed

The Progressive Era was a time from the late 1800s to the early 1900s when many Americans worked to fix problems in their country. Cities were growing fast, and factories were popping up everywhere. But there were problems too. Many people worked long hours in unsafe places. Children as young as eight worked in factories and mines. Some families did not have enough food. Laws were unfair, and big companies controlled much of the country.

People began to ask for reform. Reform means making changes to improve life for everyone. Leaders called reformers wanted to make the country fairer and safer. One famous reformer was President Theodore Roosevelt. He fought against big companies that treated workers badly. He passed laws to protect people and the environment. Roosevelt helped create national parks so nature would be saved for everyone.

Another important person was Jane Addams. She opened a place called Hull House in Chicago. Hull House helped immigrants and poor families by giving them food, jobs, and education. Jane Addams and other reformers believed that helping people would make the country stronger.

Some writers, called muckrakers, wrote stories about unfair and dangerous things. Upton Sinclair wrote a book about dirty meat factories. After people read his book, the government made new rules to make food safer.

During the Progressive Era, many women fought for the right to vote. This was called suffrage. Leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton worked for years to win this right. In 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women the vote. This was a huge step for fairness.

There were also new laws to stop child labor and to help workers be safe. Schools were built so more children could learn instead of working all day. New rules made it safer to buy food and medicine. All these changes happened because people worked together for a better future.

The Progressive Era shows that when people see problems and work for change, they can make a big difference.

Interesting Fact: The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt because he once saved a bear cub during a hunting trip!

What was the Progressive Era?

A time to fix problemsA war between statesA time for new inventionsA holiday celebration

Who was a famous reformer president?

Theodore RooseveltAbraham LincolnGeorge WashingtonJohn Adams

What did Jane Addams create?

Hull HouseA new parkA newspaperA school bus

Why were muckrakers important?

They wrote about problemsThey built factoriesThey planted treesThey made toys

What did the 19th Amendment do?

Gave women the voteEnded slaveryStarted a warBuilt more factories