History week 34 review

William Willberforce

William Willberforce was a British politician, philanthropist, and a leader to abolish slavery. The British joined the slave trade in the 1500’s. By 1783, the triangle trade route made about 80% of England’s foreign income. At its peak, England was the greatest shipper of slaves and supplied Britain, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese colonies with slave labor. William Willberforce began his political career in 1780, becoming a member of Parliament for Yorkshire. He was converted to Christianity in 1785, resulting in major change of lifestyle and search for reform.

Two years later, some anti-slave activists told Willberforce about their mission and he began to help the anti-slavery cause. This group which is known as the Testonites supported and helped Willberforce in his fight. Despite positive reactions from some, the anti-slavery group went through many struggles in Parliament. Willberforce’s Christian principles gave him power to drive on.

Olaudah Equiano was a former slave, kidnapped as a child and forced to endure the hard trip to the New World. While a slave in England he learned to read and write, and through much hard work and saving he bought his freedom. Even as a free man Olaudah Equiano was often mistreated, he even got caught again by another slave trader, Luckily Olaudah escaped. Olaudah wrote an autobiography that described his life. His book became a best seller and was translated into many different languages. Olaudah met with Willberforce and encouraged him with his fight to abolish slavery.

One of Willberforce’s friends, William Pitt, became prime minister and introduced the anti-slavery motion to Parliament in 1788. Pitt died in 1806, without the motion being passed. In 1806, William Willberforce tried a new tactic, which was the right approach to convince Parliament. His idea made the Foreign Slave Trade Bill. This bill was passed in 1806. The bill would treat any one flying the American colors as enemies. Since many slave traders flew the American colors the bill put a stop to most of the slave trade.

Lord Grenville, a supporter of Willberforce, then introduced a complete abolition bill to the House of the Lords, which passed. After the bill passed the House of Lords, it was reintroduced to the House of the Commons, where it also passed. The Slave Trade Act was ratified on March 25, 1807 ending slavery in Great Britain.