At the age of 18, William went to St John’s College, Cambridge University. As a student he lived a fairly carefree life, his early religiosity intensity had diminished, and he was an active participant in the social life of the University. However, he distanced himself with social excesses and William was not the best student, however, he was well liked, he was an excellent conversationalist, with a pleasant voice and recognized singing voice. It was at Cambridge that he befriended William pitt, who was the future Prime Minister, would remain a good friend and above all a faithful supporter of William in his later life.
His time in college was coming to an end, William decided to run for parliament. He was able to win in parliament, at the age of 21.
After four years in Parliament, William traveled to Europe with his sister and mother. It was during his vacation in Europe that the religious impulse returned to William. This encouraged him to lead a religious life, such as getting up early to read the Bible, losing interest in card games, and drinking.
He became a committed Christian for the rest of his life and his religion profoundly influenced his outlook on life. Upon his return to England, he spoke with John newton, one of the leading Anglican clergymen of his time. This encouraged him to lead a religious life, but it also encouraged him to stay in politics and work for social reform.
It was shortly after this period of his “conversion” in 1786 that Wilberforce was invited to take an active part in the abolitionist movement. The main figures in the campaign against slavery. Although Wilberforce was in complete sympathy with his goals, he was initially skeptical of his own abilities. However, after deliberation, he decided to run the campaign.
After successful public campaigns by the Committee to Abolish the Slave Trade in raising awareness of the conditions of slaves, William Wilberforce was encouraged to try to pass a law in the year 1789.
In 1789 Wilberforce spoke in the House of Commons, arguing that slavery was a matter of great injustice and contrary to the principles of human dignity. He spoke passionately on the subject.
Although there was considerable support in Parliament, the abolitionists were well organized and managed to vote the bill by 163 votes to 88.
After the outbreak of war with France in 1793, the mood turned against the cause of the abolition of the slave trade. Anyone who called for its abolition was 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 19th century, the climate became favorable again, and after William Pitt’s death in 1806, Wilberforce tried one more time. The bill made it illegal for French ships to aid the slave trade, passed, and 75% of the slave trade ended.
In 1807, both the Lords and Commons finally passed the Slave Trade Act, Wilberforce was able to command an unexpected wide margin of 283 votes to 16.
This act only made the slave trade illegal. Many slaves in the British Empire were not yet free. Therefore, for the remainder of the period of his life, William Wilberforce campaigned for the slave rights in Africa and other parts of the world.
Just days before his death, Wilberforce heard the news that on July 26, 1833, the Abolition of Slavery Act was passed, banning slavery in most of the British Empire. India was freed from slavery a decade later.
William Wilberforce died a July 29, 1833, his personal life was dominated by his religious feelings. He was late married to the faithful Barbara Ann Spooner. In 10 years they had 6 children.