b) General Oliver O. Howard

General Oliver O. Howard led the Freedmen’s Bureau, a key agency aiding freed slaves after the Civil War. Established in 1865, the Bureau played a crucial role in helping former slaves transition to freedom, offering food, housing, education, and legal assistance. Howard, a Union general known for his commitment to the rights of freed slaves, faced significant challenges, including limited resources and opposition from Southern whites. Under his leadership, the Bureau made notable strides in improving the lives of African Americans during the Reconstruction era.