What would it take to transform the lives of African Americans from the life portrayed on the left side of this image to the life portrayed on the right?

Freedmen’s Bureau

Established in 1865 by Congress to help former black slaves in the South in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Headed by U.S. Army general Oliver O. Howard, the Freedmen’s Bureau provided food, housing and medical aid, established schools and offered legal assistance.

Freedmen’s Bureau Group Inquiry

In small groups, you will be investigating primary sources related to the work of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Each group will focus on one aspect of the Bureau’s work.

After analyzing your sources, your group’s task will be to describe your aspect of the Bureau’s work to the class in a brief presentation.

Period 1

Group 1: Isaac, Belen, Kieran, Weston, Steven

Group 2: Taylor, Daria, Cole, Brendan, Emanuel

Group 3: Kris, Ryan, Siera, Erin, Tenaya

Group 4: Richard, Michael, Kristen, Mia, Carissa

Group 5: Frances, Erik, Davis, Sean, Jennifer

Group 6: Lauren, Thomas, Zoe, Gabriella, Clara, Adriana

Period 3

Group 1: Elisa, Cecilia, Natalia, Jacob, Elliot, Natalie

Group 2: Amy, Michelle, Brooke, Harlie, Savannah, Nick

Group 3: Blane, Cindy, Christina, Costin, Emma, Riley

Group 4: Sam, Quinn, Maddie S., Maddie M., Cassidy, Viviana

Group 5: Warn, Luis, Zach, Johnny, Emily

Group 6: Rielly, Shaun, Taylor, Michael, Colby

Period 5

Group 1: Eric, Jacob, Chiara, Jaclyn, Edgar

Group 2: Cory, Jade, Jasmin, Emma A., Courtney

Group 3: Dante, Lauren, Madison, Chris, Emma N.

Group 4: Robyn, Shelby, Emma K., Ben S., Austin

Group 5: Tristan, Kayla, Cassidy, Tim, Blake

Group 6: Kassidy, Connor, Ben D., Luke, Lily

Final Reflection

Think back to the opening question: “What would it take to transform the lives of African Americans from the life portrayed on the left side of this image to the life portrayed on the right?”

Based on what you have learned today, do you think the Freedmen’s Bureau met all the needs of the former slaves?

What do you think the Bureau should have done differently?