What key provision was added by the Constitution of 1865?

The Constitution of 1865 was significant in American history, particularly in the context of the Civil War and its aftermath. One of the pivotal changes it introduced was the formal banning of slavery. This provision was a direct response to the outcome of the Civil War and the moral, social, and economic imperatives driving the nation towards a more equitable society.

The addition of this key provision marked a landmark shift in legal and societal norms, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, would no longer be subjected to the institution of slavery that had long been entrenched in American life. It was an essential precursor to further civil rights developments and laid the groundwork for subsequent amendments, such as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reinforced the abolition of slavery.

Understanding this context highlights the gravity and necessity of the change made in the Constitution of 1865, setting a path toward greater equality and justice in American society.