Which statement below best describes why so few children attended schools in america prior to the civil war?
there were not nearly enough qualified teachers.
few children knew how to read printed material.
most parents did not care for any education.
children often worked alongside their parents.

The correct option is "Few children knew how to read printed material."

The care of war orphans was an important function for local organizations, as well as for the state and local government. A typical state was Iowa, where the private "Association of Iowa Soldiers' Orphanages" operated with funds from the legislature and public donations. Orphanages were created in Davenport, Glenwood and Cedar Falls. The state government financed the pensions of the widows and children of soldiers. Orphan schools were created to provide housing, care and education for the orphans of civil war soldiers. They became a matter of state pride, orphans were exhibited around demonstrations to show the power of a patriotic education.

your answer will most likely be a.