AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Freedmen's Bureau (Day 150/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Freedmen’s Bureau as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Slaves of General Thomas F. Drayton, Wikimedia Commons

One of the most significant questions facing the nation after the Civil War was how to integrate and protect newly emancipated African Americans.

Freedmen’s Bureau Office in Tennessee, Wikimedia Commons

In 1865, the Freedmen’s Bureau was established to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical services, and land. Additionally, it created schools, supervised labor contracts, and aided in the reunification of families.

Freedmen’s School, Wikimedia Commons

Education was an urgent need of freedmen and by 1870, nearly 4,000 schools were operating with approximately 250,000 African American students. These schools and teachers often were subjected to violence, however. 

The Freedmen’s Bureau, Wikimedia Commons

The Freedmen’s Bureau faced increasing hostile Southern opposition as Southern Democrats regained power. With difficulties in maintaining Congressional support and vetoes by President Johnson, the Bureau was severely underfunded and only lasted until 1872.

Although the agency was temporary and limited, the Freedmen’s Bureau was an important step toward aiding African Americans with basic needs, education, and employment as the Civil War and slavery ended.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Black Colleges and Churches in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!