What did the Freedmen's Bureau do?

The Freedmen's Bureau, established in 1865 during the Reconstruction era, was primarily focused on assisting freed slaves and poor whites in the South by providing essential support services. This included facilitating education, healthcare, and legal assistance, as well as helping to negotiate labor contracts. The Bureau aimed to help these groups transition from the turmoil of the Civil War to a more stable and equitable society. Its efforts were crucial in providing resources that fostered economic independence and promoted social welfare among newly freed African Americans, marking a significant step towards rebuilding the lives disrupted by slavery and war.

While the Freedmen's Bureau did have a role in addressing issues related to land and labor, it was not primarily tasked with overseeing land redistribution, which did not occur on a large scale. The Bureau also did not establish a military presence to enforce its work, nor did it enforce the Black Codes, which were laws aimed at restricting the rights of African Americans. Therefore, the role of the Freedmen's Bureau in assisting individuals and providing broad support is the most accurate understanding of its mission and impact during Reconstruction.