Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

Study for the GED Social Studies Test. Practice with quizzes and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

The 13th Amendment is significant because it formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a crucial turning point in American history, particularly in the context of the Civil War and the efforts to secure freedom and equality for all individuals. The language of the amendment explicitly states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States, except as a punishment for a crime. This legal action laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights advancements and ensured that the institution of slavery could no longer be legally practiced in any form.

The other amendments mentioned focus on different aspects of civil rights and liberties. The 14th Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, the 15th Amendment prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. While these amendments are also crucial in the fight for equality and civil rights, they do not pertain directly to the abolition of slavery.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy