What were the freedman's bureau?

The Freedmen's Bureau was established in 1865 by the U.S. government to assist formerly enslaved people in the South during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. Its primary functions included providing food, housing, medical care, and education, as well as helping to negotiate labor contracts and establish legal rights for freedmen. The bureau aimed to facilitate the transition from slavery to freedom and promote social and economic integration. Despite its efforts, the bureau faced significant resistance and limited resources, which hindered its long-term effectiveness.