Final answer:
The primary desires of newly freed slaves centered around family reunification, land ownership, and self-reliance, as they sought to establish homes, provide for their children, and exercise their rights to marry, own property, and live as free citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strongest desire of newly freed slaves after the war ended was to reunite with their families, gain control of their own lives, and achieve true autonomy and self-reliance. An essential aspect of this newfound freedom was the reconstitution of families, as many freedpeople immediately sought out relatives who had been sold away, using newspaper ads at times to find them. Additionally, there was a strong desire for economic independence, exemplified by a deep hunger for land ownership, as many stayed in the South with aspirations of farming their own lands.
The emancipation brought about a profound sense of responsibility and self-determination, since freedpeople now had to plan for their future, including the establishment of homes and the education and welfare of their children. Despite the difficulties of adjusting to freedom in a society that largely resisted or even resented their autonomy, and amid continued hostility and repression, African Americans seized the chance to rebuild families, make contracts, and hold property. Additionally, there was a notable drive to formalize previously unrecognized marital unions through wedding ceremonies, aligning with the desires of both the freed individuals and the governmental objectives of the Reconstruction era.