Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment is the correct answer because it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. Ratified on December 6, 1865, this amendment marked a significant turning point in American history, as it legally ended the institution of slavery that had been entrenched in the U.S. since its founding. The text of the amendment clearly states its purpose: "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."

The other amendments mentioned serve different purposes. The 14th Amendment focuses on citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. Each of these amendments plays a vital role in advancing civil rights in the U.S., but only the 13th directly addresses and abolishes slavery.