Final answer:
The African American freedmen and Union Leagues were the most helpful to freedom during the Reconstruction Era. The Freedmen's Bureau and benevolent societies also significantly aided freed slaves by providing education and resources to support self-sufficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Reconstruction Era, the two groups that were most helpful to freedom were the African American freedmen, including former slaves from southern states, and the Union Leagues. African American freedmen sought freedom and economic stability by migrating, purchasing land, and escaping racial violence.
The Union Leagues, initially founded in the North to support the Union and the Republican Party during the Civil War, extended their influence into the South after the war. They transformed into political clubs that enrolled newly enfranchised Black voters, campaigned for candidates, and built community infrastructure. The Freedmen's Bureau also played a crucial role in assisting freed slaves by providing necessities and helping establish schools and other institutions.
The relationships and dynamics between African American freedmen and Native American freedmen, such as the Cherokee and Creek nations, also highlight the complexity of Black identity, migration, and racial tensions during this period. Despite facing resistance from Native American freedmen in areas like the Indian Territory, African American narratives of a new promised land continued to inspire hope and movement. Meanwhile, the Freedmen's Bureau and philanthropic organizations addressed immediate physical needs and emphasized education and self-governance.