Wilberforce, William

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Wilberforce, William (1759–1833) English social reformer. He was elected to Parliament in 1780. In 1785, he converted to evangelicalism. Wilberforce led the abolitionist cause in Parliament for more than 20 years. His campaign led to the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, but Wilberforce continued to work for abolition throughout the British Empire. His works include A Practical View (1797).

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