At the end of the Civil War, Lincoln faced tremendous challenges, as did newly freed Black people seeking a way to fend for themselves in their new situation: trying to earn a living, buy or lease property on which to do it, and protect themselves and their families from the brutalities of vengeful former slave owners. Read the brief correspondences identifying these needs and challenges, and write a brief personal response. Letter from a northern teacher to the Freedmen's Bureau
Correspondence from southern blacks who had been working land seized by the Union now intended for return to its previous owners
Letter from southern blacks requesting assistance and protection from the federal government
What were the challenges facing Black people after the war? How did things change for the better, and how did they change in some cases for the worse? Was it the federal government's responsibility to provide land and other assistance? Physical protection? Reflect briefly on the situation.