Freedmen were individuals who were formerly enslaved but gained their freedom, particularly in the United States after the Civil War. The term is often associated with the period following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were to be set free. Freedmen faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and lack of economic opportunities, as they sought to build new lives. During the Reconstruction era, many freedmen participated in the political process, voting and holding public office. Organizations like the Freedmen's Bureau were established to assist them in transitioning to freedom, providing education, healthcare, and employment support. Despite facing significant obstacles, freedmen played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape of the post-war South.