The passing of the 13th amendment
Introduction
America has experienced moments that have shaped and changed it for the better. When Jeff Kennedy died, the Times Magazine claimed that that was the turning point for America. Whereas there is no doubt that his death changed America and set loose a ripple of events that could be felt for ages. The constitution amendments have also played a crucial role in America. In 1897, only white American men had the right to vote. As if that was not enough, the president had no term limit and could serve for as long as he was still breathing. Through the gradual change of the constitution over the years, the lives of all people have been influenced by the amendments. One such amendment is the 13th amendment. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
The 13th amendment is one of the most influential and impactful amendment ever made in the constitution of the United Sates of America .This amendment led to the abolishment of slavery in the united states .It was the first among three reconstructed amendments that America implemented during a five year period after a civil war .Congress passed the amendment in January 31st 1865 and a firmed their decision on December 6th 1865.The content of the amendment banned slavery or any form of involuntary service except if it was a punishment .Congress had the authority to enforce it into law. The amendment was passed after a very bloody war between territories that opposed slavery and territories that supported slavery. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
The civil war
The civil war was one of the central events that shaped America. It would be futile to discuss the 13th amendment without discussing the civil war. It took place between 1861-1865.This was one single event that could determine the type of nation or the direction the future of the nation could take. The war would solve two question: will America be a sovereign united nation with a sovereign authority or whether it would continue to exist as a nation that tolerated slave trade although it was founded on the mantra: all men are created equal. The northern part of America won the civil war. This victory preserved the unity of United States of America as a country. And put to a stop the system of slavery that had caused major cracks within the nation. The results of the war were good but it cost around 625,000 people their lives. This number is high as it can be equated to the total number of soldiers who fought and died in different wars .Therefore the cost was very high. (Holcombe, 2002).
The civil war was one of the most bloody and destructive war ever witnessed in western world between 1815 and World War 1 in 1914.The war was provoked by the contrasting views of people who opposed slavery and people who supported the institution of slavery. Some individuals were of the opinion that slavery should not be prohibited in all locations including areas that had not yet become states. (Holcombe, 2002).
Passing of the 13th amendment
The 13th amendment which led to the eventual abolishment of slavery in the united states was discussed by the senate in 1864 April 8 and the house on the month of January 31st,1865.On February 1st ,1865,Abraham Lincoln, the president at the time, gave a go ahead to joint resolute of congress which had brought in the proposed amendment to the legislatures .The number states required to pass it into law was reached and it was ratified on the month of December 6,1865.The 13th amendment stated that slavery would not be permitted in united states .Any form of involuntary services except punishment would seize to exist in united states. (Holcombe, 2002).
Previously, President Abraham Lincoln had come up with the emancipation proclamation which declared that all people who were slaves in the rebelling states should gain freedom. Although the emancipation declaration did not have much traction in ending slavery. The only way the emancipation declaration would work, is if it could only be backed up by an amendment in the constitution. (Holcombe, 2002).
The 13th amendment was passed when the civil war came to an end and the southern part of America had not yet joined the rest of America. This is one of the reason the amendment succeeded when it was passed through congress. Even though the senate passed the amendment in 1864, the house did not pass it. At this point, Lincoln took charge and ensured the amendment had passed when it reached congress. Lincoln emphasized that the amendment should be prioritized by the Republican Party’s next presidential candidate in the next elections. His efforts bore fruits when the amendment was passed by the house on the year 1865, January with 119 votes against a paltry 56 votes. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
After the amendment was passed by the house, United States of America adopted it. The amendment gave the first solution in tackling slavery and brought to an end the struggle that came with it. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
Events that led to the 13 amendment.
The ratification of the amendment took place eight months after the civil war ended but it painted a perfect picture of the struggle against slavery. When the civil war commenced, most of the people in northern America were against it as they saw it as a chance to crusade against slavery. (Holcombe, 2002).
Many northern republicans and conservative democrats were against slavery and its expansion but not wholeheartedly .They tolerated it to some extent. The war was the only event that forced the public to rethink slavery and the role it had took part in starting the war. In 1862, Lincoln realized that it was useless to engage in the war without abolishing slavery first. In 1862, after the union winning the battle of Antietam, Lincoln issued the emancipation declaration which allowed slaves who had rebelled to be free, in the regional areas they were in. This took place in January 1st, 1863.The emancipation declaration was not effective as it only allowed slaves to be free within certain regions that were not within the union’s control. The declaration changed the cause of the war and turned it from a civil war that seek unity within their states to a course that considered the plight of the slaves. (Holcombe, 2002).
Importance of the 13th amendment
The 13the amendment was vital because it banned slavery through constitutional means. This implied that there would be peace within America due to the unifying factor it brought. Slaves had the right to privileges and access to education and other necessary amenities such as housing. The United States of America was built on slavery of the African Americans. The civil war disrupted the peace in America and the 13th amendment brought a lasting solution and long awaited peace to the nation. States that did not ratify the amendment seek to do so in order to be at par with the rest of the states. Therefore, it unified America as a whole. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
Impact of the 13th amendment
Some may argue that slavery did not stop immediately after the 13th amendment was approved by America. Unfortunately, this is the whole truth. In the current world slavery may exist in terms of forced marriages and labor. But the impact the 13th amendment had on America cannot be swept under the carpet. It was the first step ever taken to abolish slavery along the journey to abolish slavery. Although the amendment was passed, it did not changed men’s attitude toward slavery. But to some extent, it changed the American society and got people’s minds thinking on the controversial issue. It also changed people practices. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
In today’s American society, the impact of the amendment can still be felt in each and every part. It shaped the views of both white Americans and black Americans .Black Americans got the opportunity to become members of the society. They could work and earn wages for their labor unlike in the past where they had no choice. This equalized the all people. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 2012).
Conclusion
Years have passed by and the amendment is still with us. It resides in the hearts of each and every one of us. I sincerely believe that if the 13th amendment had not existed our situation as a country would have been totally different .Slavery will still persist in various forms now and in the foreseeable future .Imagine if the amendment did not see the light of day, what could have been the situation currently?
References
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. (2012). The 13th Amendment: Its history & restoration at the Fortnightly of Chicago. Chicago: The Foundation.
Holcombe, R. G. (2002). From liberty to democracy: The transformation of American government. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
