Black Freedman
The summer of 1865 was a jovial time for slaves, as they were finally granted freedom. Many went to find their families they lost when they came to America, while others stayed on the plantations and continued working for their owners. However, the contentment quickly turned to fear and despair as the freedman realized they didn't have anything or anywhere to go. "Everything and nothing had changed," claimed Nash. (496). The former slaves had no money, and no education, the only way of life they knew of was working in these unjust conditions. This marked the beginning of reconstruction, as Johnson came into presidency. He formulated a plan, known as the thirteenth amendment to eradicate slavery, cancel secession, disclaim all debts, and to designate new members of congress. However, congress felt differently about Johnson's goal of reconstruction and checked the situation in the south, they found mistreatment of blacks and total chaos. Despite, the unfair conditions the freedman still had hope for their security against the whites that terrorized them, the right to
The Freedmen's Bureau was an agency that provided relief to African-American during reconstruction. They offered many services to blacks in need of medical care, food, and shelter. It also helped African -Americans to relocate, find lost relatives, marry legally, provided educational service, and made sure blacks were given a fair trial in court. The Bureau lacked employees and finance, but still remained strong as their dedicated staff including, General O.O. Howard supplied these services to refugees and freedmen. Many were willing, young individuals who wanted to free slaves, while other employees consisted of Union officials forced to work there. Their main objective was to find jobs for these people and help them start a life of their own; However, many freedmen looked upon this bureau as trying to reinforce slavery, because their jobs consisted of working in hazardous fields for very little, if any money. W.E.B. Du Bois claimed, "The whole bureau might stand for the whole of reconstruction." (507). own land, to get an education, and to participate in politics. Reconstruct
Some common words found in the essay are:
Black Freedman, Freedmen's Bureau, Du Bois, OO Howard, African Americans, Klux Klan, Homestead Act, civil rights, blacks feel, african americans, reconstruction freedman,
Approximate Word count = 732
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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