Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

The 13th Amendment Ends Slavery — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1-6.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.5.1
RI.5.3

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This passage explores the history and impact of the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in the United States. Students will learn about the key events leading to the creation and ratification of the amendment, important people such as President Abraham Lincoln, and the cause-and-effect relationship between the Civil War and the end of slavery. The passage uses clear, age-appropriate language and highlights themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving. Also included are a glossary of key words, a Spanish translation, a multiple-choice reading comprehension quiz, writing activities, and a timeline of important events. This resource aligns with the C3 Framework for Social Studies and Common Core ELA standards. Audio read aloud and Spanish translation support literacy and language learners, making it a comprehensive tool for history classrooms.

CONTENT PREVIEW

13th Amendment Pg1of1 AC.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - National Archives of the Unites States

The 13th Amendment ended slavery forever in the United States. Before it was passed, slavery was legal in many states. Millions of African Americans were forced to work without pay and had no freedom. The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a battle between the North and the South. One of the main causes of the war was slavery.

During the war, President Abraham Lincoln wanted to help end slavery. In 1863, he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. It said that all enslaved people in the states fighting against the Union were free. But this did not end slavery everywhere. To make sure slavery was gone for good, a law had to be added to the Constitution. A change to the Constitution is called an amendment.

In 1865, Congress passed the 13th Amendment. It had three sentences that made a huge difference. The first sentence said, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime... shall exist within the United States.” This meant that nobody could be owned by another person in America ever again.

The 13th Amendment had to be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of the states. By December 1865, enough states agreed. The 13th Amendment became part of the Constitution. About four million African Americans were freed.

This change was not easy. People who had been enslaved faced many new challenges. They had to find homes, jobs, and ways to support their families. Many were happy to be free, but life was still hard. It took courage and hard work to build new lives.

The 13th Amendment was a big step toward equality for all Americans. It showed that the country could change for the better. Over time, more laws were passed to protect the rights of all people.

Today, the 13th Amendment is remembered as a symbol of freedom and justice. It reminds us that everyone deserves to be free and treated fairly.

Interesting Fact: The 13th Amendment is only three sentences long, but it changed the lives of millions of people in the United States.

What did the 13th Amendment end?

SlaveryVoting rightsTaxesTrade

Who was president during the Civil War?

Abraham LincolnGeorge WashingtonThomas JeffersonJohn Adams

When was the 13th Amendment passed?

1865177618001901

Why was the 13th Amendment needed?

To end slavery everywhereTo build schoolsFor new taxesTo start a war

What did freed people have to do after freedom?

Find homes and jobsFight in the warVote for a new presidentMove to Canada