13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of Slavery (1865)
Overview
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865.
Ratified by the states on December 6, 1865.
Background
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring freedom for slaves in Confederate states.
The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery nationwide as it was only applicable to states in rebellion.
Lincoln recognized the need for a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery completely.
Legislative Process
The 13th Amendment was proposed at the end of the Civil War.
Initially passed by the Senate in April 1864, but faced challenges in the House.
Lincoln played a key role in ensuring its passage by including it in the Republican Party platform for the 1864 Presidential election.
The House passed the amendment in January 1865 with a vote of 119-56.
Ratification
President Lincoln approved the Joint Resolution of Congress on February 1, 1865.
Ratified by the required three-fourths of the states by December 6, 1865.
Provisions of the 13th Amendment
Section 1: Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
Section 2: Grants Congress the power to enforce the amendment through legislation.
Impact
The 13th Amendment provided a constitutional solution to the issue of slavery.
It is part of the trio of Civil War amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) that expanded civil rights in the United States.
Educational Resources
The document is used in educational resources, like DocsTeach, to teach about the abolition of slavery.
Additional Resources
The U.S. National Archives provides further educational and research resources, including access to historical documents related to the 13th Amendment.