Who was involved in the Founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was established by the United States Congress during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War. It was created on March 3, 1865, with the signing of the Freedmen's Bureau Bill by President Abraham Lincoln. The primary individuals involved in the founding of the Freedmen's Bureau include:
1. Abraham Lincoln: As President of the United States, Lincoln played a crucial role in initiating the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau. He signed the bill into law just weeks before his assassination.
2. Congress: The United States Congress passed the Freedmen's Bureau Bill, formally known as the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands Act, to create and authorize the bureau's activities. It was a joint effort by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
3. Charles Sumner: A prominent abolitionist and senator from Massachusetts, Sumner was one of the leading voices advocating for the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau. He introduced the initial legislation, which served as the foundation for the bill's final version.
4. Thaddeus Stevens: Another influential congressman from Pennsylvania, Stevens was a strong advocate for African American rights and played a significant role in shaping the legislation. He championed the Bureau's role in securing land and education for freed slaves.
5. Oliver O. Howard: Major General Oliver O. Howard was appointed as the commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau by President Andrew Johnson after Lincoln's assassination. He played a crucial role in overseeing the bureau's operations and ensuring the rights and welfare of newly freed African Americans.
These individuals, along with many others in Congress and the government at the time, played key roles in the founding and establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau.