Many freedmen saw emancipation as the opportunity to ______________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Many freedmen believed that emancipation meant not only the end of slavery, but also an opportunity to establish their own institutions, independent of white control. This included the creation of schools, churches, and other community organizations. They sought to build their own communities and exercise their newfound rights as citizens. While some may have wanted to punish their former masters, this was not a universal sentiment among freedmen. Additionally, while economic opportunities were available in Northern factories, many freedmen remained in the South and pursued independent agriculture or other trades. The demand for passage of anti-discrimination legislation was also a goal for many freedmen, but this came later in the Reconstruction period.

Many Freedmen Saw Emancipation as the Opportunity to ______________