The Bureau's Responsibilites
The Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency within the War Department. They were responsible for supervising and aiding the former slaves with the adjustment to their new life in the South. They provided basic housing and medical-aid. During the time after the war, Bureau agents brought clothing and food as relief to help the hard-pressed blacks and whites of the south. This was only until the free labor system could take full effect. The Bureau men would also help to prevent fraud against the freed slaves, making sure they receive their compensation. Lastly, the Bureau oversaw all abandoned and confiscated properties, which they would then lease and resell to the freed people.
Education
After the freed people's graduation from laborers to independent land owners, the Bureau combined efforts with the ex-slaves and the American Missionary Association to create a network of schools to educate freedmen and their children.
Termination of the Bureau
Once the Bureau was no longer able to support the needs of the freedmen and the resistance of the white southerners became too strong, they were forced to terminate the Bureau, slowly restricting the work of agents until it's end in June 1872.