Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1865 and is significant for its role in abolishing slavery throughout the United States. This amendment states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States, except as a punishment for a crime. This landmark change was pivotal during the Reconstruction era, as it legally freed the enslaved population and marked a crucial step towards civil rights.

In contrast, the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, primarily addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, but does not deal with the issue of slavery directly. The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, focuses on voting rights and prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, which also does not relate to the abolition of slavery. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, grants women the right to vote, marking an important development in women's rights but is unrelated to the issue of slavery. Therefore, the 13th Amendment is the correct response, as it directly addresses and abolishes the institution of slavery in America.