What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, accomplished the profound and transformative act of abolishing slavery throughout the United States. This amendment formally ended the legal practice of enslavement, marking a pivotal moment in American history, particularly in the context of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

By removing the legal framework that allowed slavery to exist, the 13th Amendment not only liberated millions of enslaved African Americans but also shifted the social and economic landscape of the nation. It was a significant step towards civil rights, paving the way for further amendments and legislation aimed at ensuring rights and freedoms for formerly enslaved individuals.

The other options reflect important developments in American history, such as granting citizenship, protecting voting rights, and ensuring equal protection under the law, but these were addressed by the 14th and 15th Amendments, which came later in the Reconstruction era. Therefore, the primary achievement of the 13th Amendment is the unequivocal abolition of slavery in the United States.