Who was involved in the founding of the 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, was introduced and passed by the United States Congress during the American Civil War. While several individuals played key roles in its passage, the most prominent figures involved in the founding of the 13th Amendment include:
1. Abraham Lincoln: As the 16th President of the United States, Lincoln played a crucial role in advocating for the abolition of slavery. He initially issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, which paved the way for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment.
2. Charles Sumner: Sumner was a United States Senator from Massachusetts and a leading abolitionist. He actively promoted the idea of emancipation and co-authored the Thirteenth Amendment with Representative Thaddeus Stevens.
3. Thaddeus Stevens: Stevens, a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, was a powerful Radical Republican and an ardent advocate for abolition. He played a crucial role in crafting and guiding the 13th Amendment through Congress.
4. Lyman Trumbull: Trumbull was a United States Senator from Illinois and a key figure in drafting the language of the 13th Amendment. He played a significant role in garnering support for its passage within the Senate.
5. James Ashley: Ashley, a United States Representative from Ohio, was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery. He introduced the first version of the 13th Amendment in the House of Representatives in 1863.
While these individuals were prominent in the founding of the 13th Amendment, it was a collective effort involving numerous abolitionists, politicians, and advocates who worked towards its ratification.