What major change occurred in Georgia following the passage of the 13th Amendment?

The passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was a pivotal moment in American history as it abolished slavery throughout the country. This amendment, ratified in December 1865, formally ended the institution of slavery, which had been a significant aspect of Georgia's economy and society before the Civil War.

In Georgia, the impact of the 13th Amendment was profound. It not only freed the enslaved population but also marked the beginning of a long and complex journey towards civil rights and social equality for African Americans. The abolition of slavery drastically changed the state's social fabric and laid the groundwork for subsequent movements and legislation aimed at achieving civil rights.

The other options do not correctly align with the immediate consequences of the 13th Amendment. While the establishment of public education and civil rights laws were important developments that occurred later, they were not direct outcomes of the amendment itself. Granting women the right to vote came much later with the 19th Amendment and was not associated with the abolition of slavery. Therefore, the correct answer, signifying the most significant change immediately following the 13th Amendment, is the abolition of slavery.