Final answer:
Prostitution in the 19th century was caused by economic hardship, lack of education, and government policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prostitution in the 19th century was caused by a combination of economic hardship, lack of education, and government policies. Women often turned to prostitution due to brutal economic and legal conditions, especially for unmarried poor women. Additionally, the lack of education limited their employment opportunities. Government policies either failed to address the issues or attempted to regulate prostitution to prevent the spread of venereal diseases.