What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865, is significant because it abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. This landmark legislation marked a critical turning point in American history, ending the legal practice of slavery that had been a cornerstone of the economy and society, particularly in the Southern states, prior to the Civil War. The passage of the amendment was a direct outcome of the Civil War and reflected the growing commitment to civil rights and equality for all individuals, regardless of race. Its ratification paved the way for further civil rights advancements, as it legally freed millions of African Americans and set the stage for subsequent amendments aimed at ensuring their rights and protections under the law.