Which amendment abolished slavery?

The Thirteenth 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 officially ended the legal institution of slavery in the United States and laid the foundation for civil rights advancements that followed.

It is important to understand the context surrounding this amendment; prior to its ratification, slavery was an entrenched institution, particularly in the southern states, and the Thirteenth Amendment represented a pivotal change in the nation's legal and moral landscape. The adoption of this amendment marked a key moment in the Reconstruction era, aiming to integrate millions of formerly enslaved people into American society as free citizens.

The other amendments listed do not pertain to the abolition of slavery: the First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition; the Nineteenth Amendment grants women the right to vote; and the Twenty-First Amendment repeals the prohibition of alcohol. Each serves a different purpose within the Constitution, further distinguishing the Thirteenth Amendment's unique and crucial role in ending slavery.