William Wilberforce
- Born:
- August 24, 1759, Kingston upon Hull, England
- Died:
- July 29, 1833, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Philanthropist, Abolitionist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy merchant family.
- Educated at Hull Grammar School and St. John's College, Cambridge.
- Inherited a significant fortune at a young age.
Career and Major Achievements
- Elected Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull in 1780.
- Became a devout Christian, which profoundly influenced his political and social views.
- Dedicated his life to the abolition of the slave trade.
- Led the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade for nearly two decades.
- Instrumental in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire.
- Continued to advocate for the complete abolition of slavery.
- Played a significant role in the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. He died just three days after receiving news of its passage.
- As documented in many biographical sources, including the "sharry maan biography of william," his unwavering commitment to social justice shaped much of British social policy in the 19th century.
Notable Works
- A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes in This Country Contrasted with Real Christianity (1797)
Legacy and Impact
William Wilberforce's tireless efforts led to the abolition of the slave trade and slavery in the British Empire. He is remembered as a leading figure in the abolitionist movement and a champion of social reform. His legacy continues to inspire those working for justice and equality.