Freedman

Freedman is a term used to refer to a former slave who has been released from slavery, usually by legal means. Historically, slaves were freed either by manumission (granted freedom by their owner) or emancipation (granted freedom as part of a larger group or by legislation).

History

The term freedman is associated with the Roman Empire, where slavery was a common practice. Slaves were often granted freedom as a reward for their services. This practice was known as manumission. In the United States, the term is often associated with the American Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation which led to the freedom of millions of African-American slaves.

Freedman in Different Cultures

In different cultures, the status and rights of freedmen varied. In Rome, for instance, a freedman became a Roman citizen, although with certain limitations. These limitations included not being able to hold certain public offices or marry into the senatorial class. In the United States, following the Civil War, freedmen faced significant social, economic, and political challenges, which led to the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau to assist in their transition to free citizens.

See Also

• Slavery
• Manumission
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Freedmen's Bureau

References

Freedman Resources
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