What did the Freedmen's Bureau primarily focus on teaching?

The Freedmen's Bureau primarily focused on teaching reading and writing to newly freed African Americans following the Civil War. Established in 1865, the Bureau aimed to assist former enslaved individuals in transitioning to freedom and integrating into society. Literacy was a crucial skill for these individuals, as it empowered them to participate more fully in civic life, access better job opportunities, and advocate for their rights.

By focusing on education, particularly in reading and writing, the Freedmen's Bureau laid the foundation for future generations' educational advancements and helped combat the pervasive disenfranchisement of African Americans during Reconstruction and beyond. The emphasis on literacy represented a commitment to not only immediate support but also long-term social and economic empowerment for freedmen and women.