Freedmen's Bureau

The Freedmen's Bureau was established in 1865 to assist four million former slaves. Led by Major General Oliver O. Howard, the Bureau faced challenges from President Andrew Johnson, who opposed its land policies. Despite Howard's efforts to reserve land for freed slaves, Johnson's directives prevailed, and most land returned to white elites. The Bureau also worked on labor contracts but was ultimately shut down by Congress in 1872.

What was the primary responsibility of the Freedmen's Bureau when it was established?

• To manage the lives of four million former slaves

• To oversee the reconstruction of Southern infrastructure

• To provide military support to the Union

• To negotiate peace treaties with Native American tribes

Who was the commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau known for his sympathy towards freed people?

• Ulysses S. Grant

• Oliver O. Howard

• William T. Sherman

• Andrew Johnson

What action did President Andrew Johnson take that conflicted with Howard's efforts?

• He appointed Howard as Secretary of War

• He increased funding for the Freedmen's Bureau

• He issued pardons and returned land to former Confederates

• He supported the confiscation of Confederate lands

What was Howard's hope when he delayed the signing of labor contracts?

• That President Johnson would change his policies

• That the Freedmen's Bureau would receive more funding

• That the new Republican Congress would allow former slaves to become landowners

• That the Southern states would secede again

When was the Freedmen's Bureau ultimately shut down by Congress?

• 1865

• 1870

• 1872

• 1880