What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, is a critical piece of legislation in American history as it abolished slavery in the United States. This amendment formally ended the legal practice of slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Its passage marked a significant turning point in the post-Civil War era, as it aimed to ensure that all individuals, particularly those of African descent, could no longer be treated as property or forced into labor against their will.

The context of the 13th Amendment is deeply rooted in the fight for civil rights and equality that unfolded after the Civil War, underscoring the importance of this legislative change in promoting freedom and justice within the United States. The other options relate to various aspects of U.S. history but do not pertain to the specific achievements of the 13th Amendment—each addresses different reforms and rights established during or after the Reconstruction Era.