The major event that marked the end of slavery in the United States was the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on December 6, 1865. This amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. Its passage followed the conclusion of the Civil War, a conflict largely fought over the issue of slavery and states’ rights. The 13th Amendment was a significant achievement in the broader abolitionist movement, reflecting a national shift towards recognizing individual freedoms and human rights. However, the legacy of slavery continued to impact American society and race relations long after its official end.