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

The Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution abolished slavery by prohibiting it throughout the United States, including Washington and the territories. The amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865. It 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." This means that it is illegal to own slaves or hold them against their will, except in cases where they have been convicted of a crime. The Thirteenth Amendment was a major milestone in US history as it abolished a long-standing system of oppression and injustice. Prior to the amendment, many people in Washington and beyond lived under the scourge of slavery. This included Native Americans, African Americans, and European immigrants, among many others. The amendment made it illegal for any person or group of people to be enslaved and it was a major step forward for freedom and human rights. With the Thirteenth Amendment, the US government officially declared that slavery was no longer legal in the United States. It was an immense victory for those fighting for human rights and civil liberties. It was also a powerful reminder that such injustices as slavery are never acceptable and should never be tolerated. The legacy of the Thirteenth Amendment continues to guide the nation as it works to defend human rights and civil liberties in the present day.

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