who was involved founding freedmens bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was founded by an act of Congress on March 3, 1865. It was primarily initiated by President Abraham Lincoln, and later continued by President Andrew Johnson. Others involved in establishing the Freedmen's Bureau include Ohio Congressman John A. Bingham, Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, and Massachusetts Congressman George S. Boutwell.
what is a summary of freedmens bureau?
The Freedmen's Bureau, officially known as the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, was a government agency established in 1865 to assist former enslaved African Americans and poor white individuals in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Its primary goals were to provide food, housing, medical care, and education to the newly emancipated population.
The bureau aimed to help freedmen find employment, negotiate fair labor contracts, and ensure their legal rights were protected. It also supervised the redistribution of land that had been abandoned or confiscated during the war, providing many African Americans with their first opportunity to own property. Additionally, the Freedmen's Bureau facilitated the establishment of schools for both children and adults, aiming to elevate the educational and economic status of formerly enslaved individuals.
While the Freedmen's Bureau achieved some notable successes, such as establishing many schools and aiding in the establishment of African American colleges, it faced significant challenges. Opposition from white Southerners, limited resources, and allegations of corruption hindered its effectiveness. The Bureau lasted until 1872 when it was officially abolished, marking the end of its efforts to assist the newly freed population during the Reconstruction era.