Final answer:
The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, known as the Civil War Amendments, were ratified during the Congressional Reconstruction period following the Civil War, and they were essential in establishing civil rights for former slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution were ratified after the Civil War during the era known as Congressional Reconstruction. This time saw significant changes aimed at extending civil liberties to former slaves.
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in December 1865, abolished slavery throughout the United States. Following the abolition of slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified in July 1868, establishing citizenship for former slaves and extending equal protection under the law. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in February 1870, protected the right to vote by prohibiting denial based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Together, these amendments represent the inclusion of equality principles in the Constitution and expanded both the powers and the directive of the federal and state governments to support civil rights and suffrage.