Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

• A. The First Amendment
• B. The Thirteenth Amendment
• C. The Fifteenth Amendment
• D. The Nineteenth Amendment

Answer: (B)

The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, making it a pivotal change in American history. Ratified in 1865, this amendment explicitly states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime, shall exist within the United States. This was a monumental step towards civil rights and equality, leading to the broader civil rights movement and shaping the legal landscape of the nation.

The First Amendment addresses freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, which does not pertain to the issue of slavery. The Fifteenth Amendment ensures that the right to vote cannot be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, but it does not abolish slavery itself. The Nineteenth Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote and also does not relate to the abolishment of slavery. Understanding the specific focus and historical context of each amendment clarifies why the Thirteenth Amendment is the correct answer, as it directly confronts the institution of slavery.