Which amendment abolished the institution of slavery in the United States?

The Thirteenth Amendment is the correct choice because it explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude within the United States, except as punishment for a crime. Ratified in December 1865, this amendment marked a significant turning point in American history by legally eradicating the practice of slavery, which had been prevalent in many parts of the country. The amendment's straightforward language made it clear that no person could be held in servitude, ensuring legal freedom for former enslaved individuals.

The other amendments mentioned have distinct focuses: the Fourteenth Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, the Fifteenth Amendment secures voting rights regardless of race, and the Nineteenth Amendment grants women the right to vote. None of these amendments deal specifically with the abolition of slavery, highlighting the unique and pivotal role of the Thirteenth Amendment in shaping civil rights in the United States.