What U.S. war ended slavery?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer.

• The Civil War

Our explanation

The North won the Civil War in 1865. After the war, all enslaved people in Southern states were freed. In December 1865, the 13th Amendment made slavery illegal. Juneteenth, June 19, celebrates the end of slavery.

Remember it

Same answer as North vs. South: the Civil War ended slavery.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) pp. 60–61. Quote (p. 61): “After the Civil War was over, all the people who were enslaved in Southern states were freed.” … “The 13th Amendment says that slavery is illegal in the United States.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

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