Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the key legal statute that abolished slavery throughout the country. Ratified in December 1865, it states that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States." This amendment was a significant outcome of the Civil War, reflecting a monumental shift in the legal and societal frameworks regarding human rights in the U.S.

In contrast to the 13th Amendment, the 14th Amendment primarily focuses on citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment deals with voting rights, specifically prohibiting the denial of the right to vote based on race. The 16th Amendment established the federal income tax, which is unrelated to the issue of slavery. Recognizing the specific intent of the 13th Amendment makes it clear why it is the correct answer regarding the abolition of slavery.