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

The primary purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau was to assist freed slaves with education, healthcare, and employment. Established in 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War, the Freedmen's Bureau aimed to help the recently emancipated African Americans transition from slavery to freedom. It provided essential services such as establishing schools to ensure that freedmen could receive an education, helping to find jobs, and offering medical care to improve the health and well-being of the newly freed population.

The Bureau also played a critical role in facilitating land ownership, which was vital for economic independence. Through these efforts, the Freedmen's Bureau sought to promote a smooth transition and integration of freed slaves into society, assisting them in navigating the challenges that came with their newfound freedom. This mission highlights the Bureau's broader goal of promoting social and economic stability in the post-Civil War South.