Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865, is significant because it formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it effectively ended the legal practice of slavery that had existed for centuries. It was part of the broader effort during and after the Civil War to secure civil rights and liberties for all individuals, specifically addressing the injustices faced by African Americans. The 13th Amendment laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements by establishing the legal foundation that no person could be held as a slave against their will.

In contrast, the other amendments listed address different aspects of civil rights: the 9th Amendment focuses on the enumeration of rights, the 15th Amendment addresses voting rights regardless of race, and the 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote. While all of these amendments are crucial for understanding the progression of rights in the U.S., only the 13th Amendment directly abolished the institution of slavery.