Which amendments abolished slavery and guaranteed civil rights following the Civil War?

Study for the US History Regents Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, collectively known as the Reconstruction Amendments, were specifically designed to address issues related to slavery and civil rights following the Civil War.

The 13th Amendment was ratified in 1865 and abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment was a pivotal change to the Constitution, formally ending the institution of slavery in the United States.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, which included former slaves. It also provided for equal protection under the law and due process of law, thus establishing foundational civil rights that aimed to protect the rights of all citizens.

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, further advanced civil rights by prohibiting the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude." This amendment was crucial in the fight for voting rights for African American men following the Civil War.

Together, these amendments were essential in the legal framework that sought to ensure freedom and civil rights for former slaves and were significant markers in the progression towards equality in

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