For two months, the Senate debated what executive department should run the Freedmen’s Bureau. What reasons were given in support of granting oversight to the Department of War? Select the two correct responses.

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The War Department had more experience than any other agency.

The War Department had more experience than any other agency.

The War Department could provide the financial resources needed to support freedmen.

The War Department could provide the financial resources needed to support freedmen.

Military power was needed to protect former slaves.

Military power was needed to protect former slaves.

The War Department controlled confiscated land that would be given to freedmen.

The War Department controlled confiscated land that would be given to freedmen.

President Johnson had appointed Confederate sympathizers as the heads of every other department.

President Johnson had appointed Confederate sympathizers as the heads of every other department.

Answer 1

The two correct responses in support of granting oversight of the Freedmen’s Bureau to the Department of War are:

1. Military power was needed to protect former slaves.
2. The War Department controlled confiscated land that would be given to freedmen.

These responses emphasize the need for military protection for freedmen during the Reconstruction era and highlight the control of resources, such as land, that would aid in their transition to freedom.