William Wilberforce

An English politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire.

This biography of William Wilberforce helps you learn English through real historical stories.

born1759

died1833

nationalityEnglish

known forLeading the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade

fieldpolitics and human rights

Key Takeaways

He was an English Member of Parliament who led the political campaign to abolish the slave trade
His profound Christian faith drove his lifelong commitment to social reform and human rights
He faced fierce opposition for 20 years before the Slave Trade Act was finally passed in 1807
He died in 1833 just days before the Slavery Abolition Act was passed, ending slavery in the British Empire

Life Timeline

1759

Born in Hull, England

1780

Elected as a Member of Parliament (MP)

1785

Underwent a profound evangelical Christian conversion

1787

Began his lifelong campaign to abolish the slave trade

1807

The Slave Trade Act was passed, banning the trade in the British Empire

1833

Died in London, days before the Slavery Abolition Act was passed

Biography Reading: William Wilberforce

background

William Wilberforce was born in 1759 in Hull, England, to a wealthy merchant family. He entered politics at a young age, becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1780. During his early years in politics, he was known for his charm, eloquence, and lively social life. However, in 1785, he underwent a profound evangelical Christian conversion that fundamentally changed the trajectory of his life, instilling in him a deep sense of moral purpose and a commitment to social reform.

achievement

In 1787, encouraged by his faith and by leading anti-slavery activists like Thomas Clarkson, Wilberforce took on the monumental task of leading the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade. For two decades, he faced fierce opposition from powerful political and financial interests who profited immensely from the brutal transatlantic slave trade. Despite repeated defeats, failing health, and intense personal attacks, Wilberforce relentlessly introduced anti-slavery motions in Parliament, utilizing massive petitions and public awareness campaigns.

impact

His unwavering persistence finally paid off in 1807 when the Slave Trade Act was passed, officially banning the slave trade throughout the British Empire. However, slavery itself remained legal, prompting Wilberforce to continue his crusade for total emancipation. He campaigned tirelessly for another 26 years. In a profoundly poetic conclusion to his life's work, Wilberforce died in 1833, just three days after hearing that the Slavery Abolition Act—which would finally free all slaves in the empire—was assured of passing through Parliament.