In a piece published by Slate in July 2026, historian John Turner explored how the Civil War's 13th Amendment ended slavery but left many Black Americans still under bondage. [1] The article highlighted that while the amendment officially abolished slavery, it did not immediately apply to all enslaved individuals. Many parents of children who were slaves demanded their freedom, and in some cases, owners granted this request. However, other owners chose to keep their enslaved people as property after the war ended. Turner's research suggests that the end of slavery was more complex than simply declaring an amendment, with many factors influencing whether or not individuals gained freedom. Slate is known for its neutral stance on political issues and focuses on providing in-depth analysis of current events. It leans slightly to the center politically, as it aims to provide balanced coverage without taking sides.