What was the primary goal of the Freedmen's Bureau?

The primary goal of the Freedmen's Bureau was to assist formerly enslaved individuals in their transition to freedom. Established in 1865, the Bureau aimed to provide support to newly freed people in the South following the Civil War. This included providing food, housing, medical care, education, and legal assistance. The Bureau also played a critical role in helping individuals secure employment and adjust to the social and economic changes brought about by emancipation.

The mission of the Freedmen's Bureau was rooted in the belief that formerly enslaved individuals should have the opportunity to build new lives as free citizens, which was essential for the broader goals of Reconstruction. Programs initiated by the Bureau included establishing schools for African Americans, granting land, and mediating labor contracts. Through these efforts, the Freedmen's Bureau sought to ensure that the transition from slavery to freedom was as smooth as possible, thereby laying the groundwork for civil rights and integration into American society.