Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment is significant because it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a pivotal moment in American history, following the Civil War, as it formally ended the legal institution of slavery. The clear and direct language of the amendment reflects the intent of Congress to secure freedom for all individuals who had been enslaved, fundamentally changing the legal and social landscape of the nation. This amendment set the stage for subsequent laws and amendments aimed at ensuring civil rights and liberties for all citizens, particularly for African Americans.

In contrast, the other amendments listed focus on different aspects of citizenship and the rights of individuals. The 12th Amendment pertains to the electoral process, the 14th Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, and the 15th Amendment primarily deals with voting rights for men regardless of race. Each of these amendments plays a crucial role in the development of U.S. civil rights, but none address the abolition of slavery directly as the 13th Amendment does.