Question

Describe how the Land Order relates to later Reconstruction policies toward free blacks in the South. Using the excerpt, answer (a) and (b).

(a) In 2-3 sentences, explain why most African Americans remained bound to the land after the war.
(b) In 2-3 sentences, describe how economic hopes inspired by the end of the war failed to materialize for many free blacks.

Use the Land Order to answer the question

A Land Order from April 1, 1865 says the following: “No. 118 Office of the Superintendent of Freedmen In accordance with Major General Sherman’s Order, No. 15, permission is hereby granted to Richard Brown to take possession of and occupy forty acres of land, situated in St. Andrews Parish, Island of Jame’s [sic] and being part of what was formerly known as Heyward’s plantation. By order of, Brevet Major General RUFUS SAXTON. Gilbert Pillsbury Gov. and General Superintendent of Freedmen.”

Answer 1

(a) Most African Americans remained bound to the land after the war because they did not have the economic resources or legal rights to leave. The Land Order from April 1, 1865 granted permission for a freedman named Richard Brown to occupy 40 acres of land in St. Andrews Parish, but this was not a widespread occurrence and many freedmen did not have the opportunity to acquire land of their own. As a result, many African Americans continued to work as laborers on plantations or other farms, often under conditions that were not much different from slavery.

(b) The end of the war and the abolition of slavery held great economic hopes for many free blacks, but these hopes did not materialize for many. The Land Order from April 1, 1865 granted permission for a freedman to occupy a small amount of land, but this was not a widespread occurrence and many freedmen did not have the opportunity to acquire land of their own. As a result, many African Americans remained bound to the land and were unable to gain economic independence or achieve the same level of prosperity as white Americans. Reconstruction policies toward free blacks in the South often failed to provide the economic opportunities and support that were needed to help them succeed.