
An English politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire.
Một chính trị gia, nhà từ thiện người Anh và lãnh đạo phong trào xóa bỏ buôn bán nô lệ trong Đế quốc Anh.
This biography of William Wilberforce helps you learn English through real historical stories. Explore William Wilberforce's impact on the world.
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.
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.
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.