What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, making it illegal in the United States. This amendment marked a significant turning point in American history as it formally ended the institution of slavery that had existed for centuries and was a fundamental aspect of the nation’s economy and social structure, particularly in the Southern states.

The amendment states, “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 clause legally freed millions of enslaved individuals and laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

The other options pertain to different historical amendments and movements. Women's suffrage was achieved through the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The right to vote for all citizens, regardless of race, was further solidified by the 15th Amendment. Prohibition, which banned the sale and consumption of alcohol, was established by the 18th Amendment and later repealed by the 21st Amendment. Thus, the 13th Amendment's focus on ending slavery is the primary reason why it is recognized as a monumental achievement in American civil rights history