What significant change is associated with the 13th Amendment?

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, is primarily known for abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. This monumental change marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it legally eradicated the institution of slavery, which had been a deeply entrenched practice in the country since its founding. The language of the amendment prohibits not only slavery but also involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, thereby eliminating legal justifications for forced labor that did not arise from a criminal conviction.

This amendment fundamentally transformed the social and legal landscape of the nation, paving the way for subsequent civil rights advancements. The other options refer to significant legal rights and changes, such as voting rights for men (which relates more closely to the 15th Amendment), due process rights (associated with the 5th and 14th Amendments), and citizenship (which the 14th Amendment addresses). However, the core significance of the 13th Amendment lies specifically in its unequivocal termination of slavery and involuntary servitude.