What was the primary goal of the Freedmen's Bureau?

The primary goal of the Freedmen's Bureau was to assist former enslaved individuals in transitioning to freedom. Established in 1865, the Bureau aimed to provide critical support to millions of newly freed African Americans in the South after the Civil War. Its services included offering food, housing, medical care, legal assistance, and helping to reunite families separated during slavery.

While establishing schools and promoting education were significant components of the Bureau's work, as education was essential for the empowerment of newly freed individuals, the broader mandate encompassed a wide range of assistance aimed at helping former slaves navigate their newfound freedom. The assistance included facilitating labor contracts, ensuring fair treatment in the workforce, and advocating for civil rights, all vital elements in supporting their transition from slavery to independence.

The Bureau's efforts were instrumental in helping former enslaved individuals integrate into society, which establishes this answer as the primary focus of the institution, surpassing other specific tasks it undertook.