What was the main function of the Freedmen's Bureau after the Civil War?

The Freedmen's Bureau was established in 1865 to assist newly freed African Americans and impoverished whites in the South after the Civil War. Its main function was to provide a variety of support services, including food, housing, medical care, and education. This was crucial during a time when many individuals were struggling to adapt to their newfound freedom and the societal changes brought about by the war and the abolition of slavery.

The bureau aimed to help these groups transition into a society where they could assert their rights and find economic opportunities. It worked to establish schools and provide vocational training, which were essential for fostering independence among the freedmen. While it did play a role in overseeing some aspects of Reconstruction and supported the enforcement of the 13th Amendment by helping to ensure that freed slaves were recognized as citizens, its primary focus remained on providing direct aid and resources to those in need. Therefore, the choice capturing the core mission of the Freedmen's Bureau is its commitment to aiding freed slaves and poor whites during that challenging period.