What major change did the 14th Amendment address?

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, was a significant constitutional change that specifically addressed citizenship rights and equal protection under the law for all individuals born or naturalized in the United States. This amendment was particularly crucial for African Americans, as it guaranteed their citizenship after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

Before the 14th Amendment, there were numerous debates about the legal status of formerly enslaved individuals. The amendment established that all persons, regardless of race, would be considered U.S. citizens, providing them with important legal protections and laying the foundation for future civil rights advancements.

The other options reflect important historical issues, but they do not pertain to the 14th Amendment specifically. Voting rights (A) were addressed through the 15th Amendment, which focused on prohibiting denial of voting rights based on race, while prohibition of alcohol (C) was established by the 18th Amendment in the 20th century. The abolishment of slavery (D) was directly addressed by the 13th Amendment, which preceded the 14th. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it accurately describes the core focus of the 14th Amendment in ensuring citizenship for African Americans.