Question

What did the prisoners do when they were freed?

a) They sought revenge on their captors.
b) They organized a protest against the captors.
c) They celebrated and embraced their freedom.
d) They went into hiding to avoid further persecution.

Answer 1

Upon being freed, enslaved African Americans mostly embraced their freedom with initial celebrations followed by a sobering realization of the responsibilities and challenges ahead. They also focused on reuniting with family members, indicating the significance of kinship.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the prisoners, in this context the enslaved African Americans during the period of emancipation, were freed, their reactions and subsequent actions varied significantly. Rather than seeking revenge or going into hiding, as the question suggests, most embraced their freedom and experienced a complex range of emotions. According to historical accounts, many freed people initially celebrated and rejoiced, but this revelry was often short-lived as a sense of the grave responsibilities of freedom settled in. Additionally, many chose to seek out and reunite with family members, a testament to the enduring importance of kinship ties among African American communities. Throughout the process, despite the profound joy and relief at being emancipated, a multitude of practical and emotional challenges arose, underscoring the bittersweet nature of their newfound liberty.