How does the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution abolish slavery?

The Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution officially abolished slavery across the United States. The amendment was ratified on December 18, 1865, making it the first amendment passed after the start of the Civil War. The amendment states that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” In other words, this amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude nationwide, with the exception of those convicted of a crime. This means that slaves could no longer be legally held against their will, regardless of the state they resided in. This amendment was especially important for New Hampshire, which had originally allowed slavery. As a result of the Thirteenth Amendment, all slaves in New Hampshire were immediately freed. While it took some time for the state and its citizens to adjust to this change in law, the amendment was an important step in the fight against slavery in the United States. The Thirteenth Amendment not only abolished slavery in New Hampshire and the United States, it also celebrated the achievement of freedom for millions of African Americans. This amendment stands as a testament that no matter the circumstances, all people have the right to be free and enjoy the same rights and privileges under the law.

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