There were so many impacts on the freed slaves after the Emancipation. When the slaves were freed they were illiterate, had a lack of property, and meager skills. Most slaves found freedom overwhelming. Some found that liberty meant mobility. Some moved out of their slave quarters and some left the plantations entirely. The population of African-Americans doubled or tippled in urban areas. The movement to Urban areas were prompted by the urge to locate lost family members. The Freedman's Bureau helped former slaves get info on missing relatives and helped with travel to find them. Reuniting family often failed due to rebel slaves who died during the war and some people were just untraceable. Once reunited, freed slaves would legalize the unions made during enslavement; often in mass ceremonies with up to seventy couples at once.
Freed women stopped working and major labor shortages followed immediately after the war because women mad up half of the previously enslaved fieldworkers. After reconstruction some previously enslaved women went back to work as laundresses, cooks, and domestic servants. Some white women also started working at this time. Another major blessing for the freed after Emancipation was the ability to raise their own children.
The desire for independence among the Freed Slaves lead to a growth in black churches. These churches provided a fervent, participatory experience, provided relief, raised funds for school, and supported Republican policies.
(Never got posted but written 10/24/14)
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