Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The Thirteenth Amendment is significant because it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a profound change in American society, as it legally ended the institution of slavery, which had been a deeply entrenched practice in the country for over two centuries. The language of the amendment clearly states that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

This amendment was part of the Reconstruction Era reforms aimed at ensuring freedom and equality for former enslaved individuals after the Civil War. It laid the groundwork for further civil rights advancements and emphasized the fundamental principle of human rights by rejecting the legality of slavery.

In contrast, other amendments mentioned do not pertain directly to the abolition of slavery. The Fourteenth Amendment focused on citizenship and equal protection under the laws. The Ninth Amendment addresses the enumeration of rights and affirms that there are additional rights that may exist beyond those explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Lastly, the Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, but it does not concern the abolition of slavery itself.