Have you ever accepted an almost impossible challenge and were able to do it against all odds? One man did. That man was William Wilberforce. He was able to stop the slave trade in the British colonies at a time when most of the people were pro-slavery, and he changed the world for the better. Therefore, William Wilberforce was an important historical figure due to his contributions to the abolition of slavery in the British Colonies. William Wilberforce led a very influential and godly life. He was born on August 24, 1759 in the city of Hull, Yorkshire. He was described as ”a sickly and delicate child” (“Biography of William Wilberforce”) and attended Hull Grammar School. The inheritance of his family’s fortune meant that he did not need to work at all for the rest of his life, so he spent his time at college drinking, gambling, and playing cards, although not excessively. In 1780, …show more content…
In 1824, increasing illness caused Wilberforce to retire from Parliament, leaving the job of completely abolishing slavery to Thomas Fowell Buxton. On July 26, 1833, Buxton finally succeeded with passing a bill that abolished slavery. Three days later, Wilberforce died. Wilberforce earned a place in the hearts of many people due to his efforts to ban slavery. He had helped create peace in the British Colonies by reducing the threat of slave rebellions. Many people from both Parliamentary houses attended his funeral, and there were quite a few tributes from the newspaper press. He cared about animals and helped form the RSPCA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). He also encouraged the deployment of missionaries by the East India Company. The many causes he supported to help with moral and social reform improved the lives of many people. It is estimated that almost 70 causes were advanced and developed by William’s perseverance and