Freedmen's Bureau

The Freedmen's Bureau was a U.S. government agency established in 1865 after the Civil War to assist formerly enslaved people, known as freedmen. Its mission was to help them transition to freedom by providing services like education, healthcare, and employment support. The Bureau also aimed to protect their legal rights and oversee labor contracts. Although it achieved some successes, it faced challenges such as limited funding, resistance from Southern whites, and political opposition. The Bureau was dissolved in 1872, but its legacy played a significant role in advancing civil rights and social reforms in the post-war South.