Thirteenth Amendment

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This means that slavery was officially made illegal, ensuring that no person could be held against their will to work for another without their consent. The amendment marked a significant step towards civil rights and equality, particularly for formerly enslaved individuals in the aftermath of the Civil War. It laid the foundation for future legislation addressing civil rights and human dignity in the United States.