What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the formal end of an institution that had existed for centuries and had profound social, economic, and political implications for the nation. The abolishment of slavery was a significant step towards civil rights for African Americans and laid the groundwork for further changes such as the 14th and 15th Amendments, which addressed citizenship and voting rights, respectively.

While the other options speak to important aspects of civil rights, they do not accurately reflect the specific purpose of the 13th Amendment. For instance, granting citizenship is addressed in the 14th Amendment, and voting rights for all males (regardless of race) are covered by the 15th Amendment. The protection of the rights of freed slaves is a broader topic that encompasses various laws and acts in the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, rather than being solely within the scope of the 13th Amendment.