Which amendment abolished slavery?

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, which was a significant turning point in American history. Ratified on December 6, 1865, this amendment officially made it illegal to enslave any person, thereby ending the institution of slavery that had persisted in various forms for centuries. The text of the amendment states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

This legislative step was essential in the broader context of the Civil War and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America. By formally abolishing slavery, the amendment aimed not only to rectify the injustices of slavery but also to lay the foundation for future civil rights advancements.

The other amendments listed focus on different aspects of civil rights. The 12th Amendment pertains to the electoral process for choosing the President and Vice President. The 14th Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, which were particularly important during the Reconstruction era that followed the Civil War. The 15th Amendment ultimately deals with voting rights, prohibiting the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition