North Carolina and Georgia Ratify 13th Amendment
December 4th, 1865
December 4th, 1865

How Long Ago?
159 years, 3 months, 11 days ago
Location
North Carolina, Georgia, United States
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
American Civil War
Links & References
- North Carolina
- Georgia (U.S. state)
- Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Slavery in the United States
Tags
North Carolina and Georgia Ratify 13th Amendment
North Carolina ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, followed by Georgia two days later. This ratification led to the legal freedom of enslaved individuals across the United States within weeks. The amendment solidified the conclusion of an era of legal slavery in the nation, marking a significant step towards civil rights and equality.
North Carolina was the 27th state to ratify.
Georgia ratified two days later, as 28th state.
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.
Legal freedom for enslaved people followed soon after.
What Happened?
North Carolina became the 27th state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States, a monumental change following the conclusion of the Civil War. This legislative act took place on December 4, 1865, as North Carolina's state government took formal steps towards rejoining the Union. Just two days later, Georgia followed suit, becoming the 28th state to endorse the amendment. The ratification process highlighted a pivotal moment in American history, signifying the end of institutionalized slavery and laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.
The 13th Amendment was a direct consequence of the Civil War and the intense discussions surrounding the abolition of slavery. The requirement for states to ratify the amendment before being fully readmitted into the Union added a layer of urgency to the movement towards abolition that had begun in earnest during the war. With the ratification of the 13th Amendment, slavery was made illegal, and the two states contributed to the collective effort to secure the abolition throughout the United States. Within just a fortnight of the ratification by both states, the implications became clearer: enslaved individuals across the country were legally recognized as free.
Why Does it Matter?
The ratification of the 13th Amendment by North Carolina and Georgia is significant as it represents a decisive moment in the journey toward civil rights in the United States. Not only did it formally end slavery, but it also set the stage for subsequent civil rights movements. The amendment's passage marked a transformational period in American society, moving away from a legacy of slavery. Its impact can still be felt today in ongoing discussions about equality and justice.
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