Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment is significant because it formally abolished slavery in the United States, marking a crucial turning point in American history. Ratified in December 1865, it states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. This amendment was a direct result of the Civil War and the broader abolitionist movement, and it laid the foundation for further civil rights advancements.

Other amendments mentioned in the options play different roles in U.S. history; for instance, the 12th Amendment deals with the electoral process, the 14th Amendment addresses citizenship and equal protection under the law, and the 15th Amendment focuses on prohibiting voting discrimination based on race. Each of these amendments contributes to the evolution of rights and liberties in the United States, but it is the 13th Amendment that directly addresses the issue of slavery.