How did people in the United States understand “freedom” after the Civil War?

Doing an article based on “Freedom.” I’ve already chosen my two articles/stories. They are “Petition of committee on behalf of the freedmen to Andrew Johnson.” And “The Mississippi Black Codes.” Please help me out on this, the rest of the information is posted below.

 The concept of freedom has come up throughout our readings and discussions. 

How did people in the United States understand “freedom” after the Civil War?

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