MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

The main economic objective of recently freed African Americans in the South immediately after the Civil War was to:

1. Obtain land on which to establish their own farms

2. Develop skills required to secure jobs paying a living wage

3. Pool resources to create cooperative enterprises

4. Save money needed to form independent businesses

The correct answer is: Obtain land on which to establish their own farms

The main economic objective of recently freed African Americans in the South immediately after the Civil War was to obtain land on which to establish their own farms. After a long history of bondage and exploitation, gaining land represented an opportunity for self-sufficiency and independence. Land ownership was crucial as it allowed formerly enslaved individuals to cultivate their own crops, provide for their families, and build wealth within their communities. The desire for land was influenced by historical injustices such as the system of slavery, where African Americans were deprived of the ability to own property or create economic opportunities for themselves. The promise of land was central to the aspirations of freedmen during Reconstruction, as many viewed farming as the most viable means of achieving economic stability. While developing skills for jobs, pooling resources, and saving money were also important goals, the foundational aspiration for land ownership was seen as the key to establishing a sustainable and equitable life in the post-war South. Owning land was often viewed as a pathway to economic independence and social mobility, making it the primary objective for many freed African Americans during this transformative period.