William Wilberforce

Philanthropist and abolitionist

William Wilberforce - Philanthropist and abolitionist
Born

August 24th, 1759
266 years ago

Died

July 29th, 1833
192 years ago — 73 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A prominent English politician and philanthropist, dedicated efforts focused on the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Elected to Parliament in 1780, campaigned for social reform, including animal welfare and education for the poor. Instrumental in the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, which presented numerous petitions to Parliament. In 1807, legislation passed that prohibited the slave trade within the British Empire, a significant milestone in global human rights.

Abolished the transatlantic slave trade in 1807

Co-founded the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade

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