Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

Prepare for the South Carolina US Citizenship Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, it explicitly states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to its jurisdiction. This amendment marked a significant turning point in American history, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War, as it legally put an end to the institution of slavery that had persisted for centuries.

The other amendments mentioned address different issues. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, focuses on citizenship rights and equal protection under the law. The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibits denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, grants women the right to vote. While all these amendments are crucial to the progress of civil rights in the United States, the specific act of abolishing slavery is solely encapsulated in the 13th Amendment.

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