Which statement about orphanages in early America is accurate?

Which statement about orphanages in early America is accurate?

• A. Orphanages were often populated by children whose parents had died of diseases like cholera, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever.
• B. Orphanages were exclusively for children of wealthy families.
• C. Orphanages did not exist in colonial times.
• D. Orphanages were primarily funded by corporations.

Answer: (A)

In early America, institutions for children without caregivers grew out of widespread poverty and high parental mortality from infectious diseases. The statement reflects that many children in orphanages had parents who died from illnesses such as cholera, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever, among others, leaving them in need of care. These institutions were not reserved for wealthy families; they were intended to serve poor and vulnerable children who had lost their parents or guardian support. Orphanages did exist in colonial times, often evolving from older workhouses or almshouses run by churches or charities. Funding primarily came from charitable organizations, religious groups, and local governments or private donors rather than corporations, which were not the main source of support for such social welfare institutions at that period.

In early America, institutions for children without caregivers grew out of widespread poverty and high parental mortality from infectious diseases. The statement reflects that many children in orphanages had parents who died from illnesses such as cholera, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever, among others, leaving them in need of care. These institutions were not reserved for wealthy families; they were intended to serve poor and vulnerable children who had lost their parents or guardian support. Orphanages did exist in colonial times, often evolving from older workhouses or almshouses run by churches or charities. Funding primarily came from charitable organizations, religious groups, and local governments or private donors rather than corporations, which were not the main source of support for such social welfare institutions at that period.