What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

• A. It granted women the right to vote.
• B. It abolished slavery in the United States.
• C. It established the income tax.
• D. It ended prohibition.

Answer: (B)

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, is significant because it formally abolished slavery in the United States. This landmark amendment made it illegal to enslave any individual, thus marking a pivotal moment in American history, particularly in the context of the Civil War and the fight for civil rights. The amendment emerged from the efforts to end the institution of slavery that had long been a divisive issue in the nation, impacting millions of African Americans who were subjected to forced labor and denied basic human rights. The passage of the 13th Amendment laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights advancements and legal changes aimed at ensuring freedom and equality for all citizens.