Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the pivotal amendment that abolished slavery in the United States. Ratified on December 6, 1865, it 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 amendment was a significant legislative step in the aftermath of the Civil War and served to formally end the institution of slavery that had been prevalent in the country. The importance of this amendment cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for further civil rights advancements and established a legal foundation for the rights of formerly enslaved individuals.

The other amendments referenced, such as the 12th, 14th, and 15th, each address different aspects of governance and civil rights, but none directly relate to the specific abolition of slavery. The 14th Amendment focuses on citizenship and equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment deals with voting rights regardless of race. Thus, the distinction of the 13th Amendment as the one that abolished slavery is clear and essential in understanding American history and civil rights legislation.