Which amendments were ratified during Reconstruction to protect the rights of former slaves?

The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were ratified during the Reconstruction era specifically to protect the rights of former slaves and ensure their integration into American society following the Civil War.

The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, foundationally granting freedom to former enslaved individuals. The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves, and promised equal protection under the law, aiming to secure civil rights for all citizens. Lastly, the Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, specifically aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men by prohibiting the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Together, these amendments were significant milestones in the legal framework intended to provide protections and rights for former slaves and to promote equality, thus establishing a foundation for future civil rights advancements. The other choices include amendments that either do not pertain to the issue of slavery or civil rights during Reconstruction or were ratified long before or after this critical period.