U.S. slavery refers to the system of forced labor that existed in the United States from the early 17th century until the Civil War in the 1860s. Enslaved people, primarily of African descent, were brought to America to work on plantations, farms, and in households. This system was supported by laws that denied enslaved individuals basic human rights and freedoms. The abolition of slavery began with the American Civil War, leading to the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which officially ended slavery in the U.S. Despite its legal abolition, the legacy of slavery continues to impact American society, contributing to ongoing discussions about race and equality.