Page 44 - Heros of the Faith - Textbook w videos short

House of Commons arguing that slavery was a matter of great injustice and contrary to principles of human
dignity. He spoke passionately on the subject.

“I mean not to accuse anyone, but to take the shame upon myself, in common, indeed, with the whole
parliament of Great Britain, for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are
all guilty—we ought all to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others.”

Although there was considerable support within Parliament, the anti-abolitionists were well organized, and they
managed to out-vote the bill by 163 votes to 88.

After spending a year raising awareness of the issue, Wilberforce tried the next year again. However, the anti-
abolitionists were again well organized and were able to slip in a delaying tactic – putting off abolition
indefinitely.

Following the outbreak of war with France in 1793, the mood swung against the cause for abolishing the slave
trade. Any calls for its abolition were often accused of being seditious. The country became very conservative
due to the threat of invasion; in the climate of fear, there was little interest in the emancipation of slaves.

However, in the early part of the nineteenth century, the climate once again became favorable, and following
the death of William Pitt, in 1806, Wilberforce tried once more. However, they first tried a clever trick of making
it illegal for slave owners to participate in the trading slaves with the French colonies. It was a bill not designed
to make the slave trade illegal; it was hoped to just undermine their business, therefore weakening the position
of the ship owners. It was suggested by a maritime lawyer, James Stephen. The bill made it illegal for ships to aid
the French slave trade; it was passed and effectively ended 75% of the slave trade.

Slave Trade Act 1807

In 1807, both the Lords and the Commons finally passed the Slave Trade Act; Wilberforce was able to command
an unexpectedly large margin of 283 votes to 16.

Slavery Abolition Act

This act only made illegal the trade of slaves. Many slaves in the British Empire were still not free. Therefore, in
the remaining period of his life, William Wilberforce campaigned for the rights of slaves in Africa and other parts
of the world. Just a few days before his death, Wilberforce heard the news that on 26 July 1833, the Slavery
Abolition Act had effectively passed after its third reading – the act outlawed slavery in most parts of the British
Empire. India would be freed from slavery a decade later.

Other Social Campaigns of William Wilberforce

Although he is best associated with the slave trade, William Wilberforce also campaigned for other social issues
such as prison reform, education, missionary work in India and matters of public health. However, he did not
support trades unions, nor did he support women rights.

Personal Life of William Wilberforce

William’s personal life was dominated by his religious sensibilities. He married late in life to the devoted Barbara
Ann Spooner. In ten years they had six children.

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