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William Wilberforce

by Kari Van Vliet from Canada

The strength of Wilberforce

Willlian Wilberforce (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history<br>/historic_figures/wilberforce_william.shtml)
Willlian Wilberforce (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history
/historic_figures/wilberforce_william.shtml)

William Wilberforce was one of the greatest English abolitionists of all time. He fought for the abolition of the slave trade until his death. Wilberforce started his political career in 1780 when he was only 21. In 1785 he went through a conversion experience and became an evangelical Christian, but it wasn't until 1789 that he met with a man named Thomas Clarkson and a group of anti-slave activists that he started his campaign against the slave trade. This group had a huge influence on him and they were the people that actually persuaded him to start his campaign.

Wilberforce died at the age of 74, three days after he finally he won his battle. He worked for 18 years sacrificing his health and everything he had to eliminate the British slave trade which happened in 1803. The problem now was, that this did not free those who were already slaves. It wasn't until 1833 that the law finally passed that all slaves in the British empire were to be freed. Wilberforce died three days after.

<a href=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/eb/William_wilberforce.jpg>William Wilberforce</a>
William Wilberforce

After watching the movie "Amazing Grace" that is all based around the slave trade and William Wilberforce's work, I was greatly influenced to try and be, to some extent, like him. As I was watching the movie I saw all the determination that he had. I now think of him as the strongest person who ever lived. I am sure there are many people who have been just as brave and just as motivated, but this person seemed to stand out the most to me. He showed the strength and determination that I don't think I could ever have. He may have given up once or twice but he always found it in him to go back and try again. He is not my hero because he did something good in the world, he is my hero because he knew something had to be done, tried to do it, knew he was going to win and did win. There are no words in this world that can describe the greatness and bravery of people like him who risked everything they had to save others. William Wilberforce...My hero.

Page created on 2/11/2008 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 2/11/2008 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

William Wilberforce - BBC History
William Wilberforce - Brycchan Carey Website
Amazing Grace - the Movie