Despite the long history of slavery in the British colonies in North America, and the continued existence of slavery in America until 1865, the 13th amendment was the first explicit mention of the institution of slavery in the U.S. Constitution. The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to former slaves, and the 15th Amendment granted Black men the right to vote. 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.Lesson 11 in a 72-part course series.