The American Missionary Association (AMA) was founded in 1846 to promote education and religious instruction among African Americans and Native Americans. It aimed to provide support during a time of significant social change in the United States, particularly following the abolition of slavery. The AMA established schools, churches, and other institutions to help these communities gain access to education and resources. The organization played a crucial role in the post-Civil War era, focusing on the integration of freed slaves into society. It collaborated with various groups, including the Freedmen's Bureau, to ensure that African Americans received the education and support they needed to thrive in a new social landscape.