Final answer:
Freedmen played an instrumental role in the election of Governor Warmoth, as their support and votes contributed to his victory during the Reconstruction era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the role of freedmen in the election of Governor Warmoth. The correct choice in the given options is C, which states that they supported Warmoth in the election and their votes secured his victory. After the Civil War, there were significant changes to the political structure, particularly in Southern states like Louisiana. Freedmen, now with the right to vote, had a considerable impact on elections during the Reconstruction era. Louisiana, for example, became a test case for the controversial issue of black suffrage. With the assistance of federal troops ensuring their safety, African American men were able to register and vote, which contributed to Republican candidates like Governor Warmoth securing office.
The role of freedmen during this period is crucial to understanding the political and social dynamics that unfolded in the South post-Civil War. Their newfound suffrage rights came with both support and opposition. Nevertheless, their ability to vote and actively participate in the political process was a transformative step in American history, particularly in the Reconstruction South.