Answer to Question #230732 in History for Noodles

Question

Why has it been particularly difficult to compile a history of the Freedmen? Provide examples 

of why freedmen would be reluctant to provide useful historical information.

Answer 1

The difficulty of compiling the history of freedmen resulted from a lack of reliable data sources concerning the developments of freedmen, such as demographics information and other crucial data concerning them. Most of them would be reluctant to provide information because of illiteracy and fear of the white’s control. For example, harsh local agents and inherent challenges in slavery pose difficulties for them to open up and give useful information to establish their histories. For instance, most formally enslaved African Americans were illiterate and lacked understanding of the importance of their knowledge concerning freedmen life experiences.