This Senate resolution became the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States or any place subject to its jurisdiction and gave Congress the power to pass legislation necessary to enforce the amendment. Submitted to the states on January 31, 1865, its ratification was completed within the year, on December 6, 1865.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
S.R. 16, 38th Congress
Abolishing Slavery
The issue of slavery was not directly addressed by the authors of the Constitution, but by the mid-19th century, slavery became the most divisive issue Congress faced. Petitions against slavery were received as early as the First Congress. As settlers moved west, the question of slavery in the territories periodically dominated Congressional debate. While committed foremost to preserving the Union, Abraham Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery. His plans for gradual emancipation, which recognized states’ rights and the economic ramifications of slavery, were not effective. At the close of the Civil War, Congress passed an amendment to abolish slavery, which was quickly ratified by the states.
This Senate resolution became the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States or any place subject to its jurisdiction and gave Congress the power to pass legislation necessary to enforce the amendment. Submitted to the states on January 31, 1865, its ratification was completed within the year, on December 6, 1865.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
