The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865. It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment marked a significant turning point in American history, as it legally freed millions of enslaved people and aimed to ensure their rights as citizens. The 13th Amendment was part of the broader Reconstruction Amendments, which also include the 14th and 15th Amendments. These amendments were designed to establish and protect the rights of formerly enslaved individuals and to promote equality in the post-Civil War United States.