Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment was a significant milestone in American history, as it marked the formal end of slavery following the Civil War. The context surrounding its adoption illustrates the nation’s shift toward recognizing the fundamental rights of all individuals, particularly African Americans who had been subjected to the institution of slavery.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, focused on granting citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved individuals. Meanwhile, the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men by prohibiting the denial of the right to vote based on race or color. Lastly, the 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote.

While all these amendments played crucial roles in advancing civil rights and ensuring protections for various groups, it is the 13th Amendment that directly addressed and abolished the practice of slavery in the United States.