Answer:
William Wilberforce
William Wilberforce (1759 – 1833) was a British politician, philanthropist and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. He began his political career in 1780 and rose to prominence in the House of Commons as an outspoken opponent of the slave trade. In 1807, Wilberforce introduced a bill to abolish the slave trade, which eventually passed in 1833, shortly before his death.
Early Life
William Wilberforce was born on August 24, 1759, in Hull, Yorkshire, England. He attended St. John’s College in Cambridge and was elected to the British Parliament in 1780, at the age of 21. Wilberforce was initially a supporter of the British West Indies slave trade, but he soon changed his mind and became a leading voice in the fight to abolish it.
Campaign to Abolish the Slave Trade
Wilberforce began his campaign against the slave trade in 1787 with the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade. He brought the issue to the attention of the British public through a series of speeches and pamphlets, and began to mobilize public opinion against the slave trade. Wilberforce also campaigned for the rights of slaves and worked to improve the conditions of the factories in which the slaves were held.
Legacy
Wilberforce’s campaign finally succeeded in 1833, when the British Parliament voted to abolish the slave trade. He was hailed as a hero and lauded for his commitment to the cause. Wilberforce’s legacy lives on today, as his work is remembered and celebrated around the world.
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