what happend during Founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was established by Congress on March 3, 1865. Its main purpose was to assist newly freed African Americans in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Here are some key events and actions that occurred during the founding and establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau:
1. Creation of the Bureau: The Freedmen's Bureau was created as part of the larger Reconstruction policy to address the needs of formerly enslaved individuals. It was originally named the "Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands."
2. Early leadership: Major General Oliver O. Howard was appointed as the first Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. He was tasked with overseeing its activities and coordinating relief efforts for freed African Americans.
3. Aid and education: The Bureau provided immediate assistance to freedmen, including food, clothing, and medical care. It also focused on providing education by establishing schools and hiring teachers to teach both children and adults.
4. Land redistribution: One of the main goals of the Freedmen's Bureau was to assist former slaves in gaining access to land ownership. It sought to divide and redistribute abandoned or confiscated land to African American families.
5. Labor contracts: The Bureau helped negotiate labor contracts between former slaves and former slaveholders. These contracts aimed to establish fair wages and working conditions for freedmen.
6. Legal support: The Bureau provided legal assistance to freedmen, helping them resolve issues such as labor disputes, civil rights violations, and land disputes.
7. Civil rights protection: The Bureau played a crucial role in protecting the civil rights of freedmen. It helped enforce the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, and worked to ensure equal treatment and access to justice.
8. Volunteer support: The Freedmen's Bureau received support from various Northern charitable organizations and religious groups. These volunteers and organizations helped with the distribution of aid, education, and other initiatives.
Despite its efforts, the Freedmen's Bureau faced challenges and limitations. It was understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to adequately support the massive number of newly freed African Americans. Additionally, some white southerners opposed the Bureau's presence and its interference with labor relations and land distribution.
The Freedmen's Bureau operated until 1872 when it was discontinued due to political opposition and financial constraints. However, its legacy remained significant as it played a vital role in the early years of Reconstruction and in the lives of newly freed African Americans.