What amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is significant because it abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Ratified on December 6, 1865, this amendment represented a crucial turning point in American history, as it legally freed millions of enslaved people and marked a formal end to the institution of slavery that had been a foundational aspect of the nation's economy and society.

The context surrounding the amendment is important to understand its significance. The 13th Amendment was part of the broader Reconstruction Amendments, which aimed to establish civil rights and integrate formerly enslaved people into American society after the Civil War. The abolition of slavery was not only a moral imperative for many but also a necessary step toward achieving equality in the nation.

In contrast, the other amendments listed do not pertain to the abolition of slavery. The 10th Amendment primarily deals with states' rights and powers not delegated to the federal government. The 12th Amendment outlines the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, and the 14th Amendment focuses on citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, furthering the rights established after slavery was abolished but not addressing the abolition itself.