What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865, directly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. This landmark achievement marked a significant turning point in American history, particularly following the Civil War, as it legally freed millions of enslaved people and laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights advancements. By removing the legal basis for slavery, the amendment fundamentally transformed the social and economic landscape of the nation, making it a crucial legislative milestone in the struggle for freedom and equality.