Freedmen's Bureau Responsibilities and Impact

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 in 1865?

• To negotiate peace treaties with Native American tribes

• To provide military support to the Union

• To oversee the reconstruction of Southern infrastructure

• To manage the lives of four million former slaves

Who was the president that Oliver O. Howard had to contend with during his time as commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau?

• James A. Garfield

• Rutherford B. Hayes

• Andrew Johnson

• Ulysses S. Grant

What action did President Andrew Johnson take that affected the Freedmen's Bureau's efforts?

• He increased funding for the Bureau

• He appointed a new commissioner to replace Howard

• He supported the Bureau's land reservation efforts

• He issued pardons and returned land to former Confederates

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

• That the Southern states would secede again

• That the Bureau would receive more funding

• That President Johnson would change his policies

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

In what year was the Freedmen's Bureau shut down by Congress?

• 1872

• 1870

• 1865

• 1880