What was the intent behind Special Field Order 15?

Special Field Order 15 was indeed primarily focused on the redistribution of land to freed slaves. Issued by General William Tecumseh Sherman in January 1865, the order aimed to address the needs of formerly enslaved people following the Civil War. It outlined a plan to allocate confiscated land along the southern coast, specifically in South Carolina and Georgia, granting 40 acres to each family of freed African Americans and the use of Army mules for farming. This initiative was significant in the context of Reconstruction, as it represented one of the first formal attempts to provide economic independence and land ownership to freed individuals.

The intention behind this order was rooted in the understanding that land was a critical factor in achieving true freedom for formerly enslaved people. The redistribution of land was seen as a potential means to empower these individuals and support them as they transitioned into a society where they could contribute and thrive as free citizens. This historical context highlights the broader struggle for rights and integration faced by African Americans during and after the Civil War.

In contrast, other options such as recruitment of soldiers, construction of military forts, or setting up prisons for Confederate soldiers do not align with the goals of Special Field Order 15. The order was not concerned with military organization or punishment;