Question

Why was it hard for African Americans to learn to read and write in the 1800s? There was nobody to teach them. There wasn't enough time for them to learn. They didn't really want to learn to read and write in English. Nobody would give them any books or paper and pencils. It was illegal to teach slaves to read and write in the South.

Answer 1

It was illegal to teach slaves to read and write in the South. Slaves were prohibited from reading/writing

Answer 2

The salves didn't have teachers or anyone to learn from. Instead of attending school or public education they worked all day.