Despite his flaws, William Wilberforce was a significant figure in British history. He played a major role in ending the slave trade and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice ann freedom.
10 things every kid should know about William Wilberforce:
- He was a British politician and philanthropist who was a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.
- He was born in Hull, England, in 1759.
- He went to Cambridge University and became a member of Parliament in 1780.
- He was a devout Christian and his faith motivated him to work for the abolition of slavery.
- He founded the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1787 and led the campaign to end the slave trade in the British Empire.
- The slave trade was abolished in 1807, thanks in large part to Wilberforce’s efforts.
- He continued to work for the abolition of slavery in other countries and also campaigned for other social reforms, such as prison reform and education reform.
- He died in 1833, just a few months after the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which abolished slavery in all British colonies.
- He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the abolition of slavery.
- His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
Here are some other interesting facts about William Wilberforce that kids might find interesting:
- He was a close friend of the poet William Wordsworth (I Wander Lonely As a Cloud) and the hymn writer John Newton (Amazing Grace).
- He was a vegetarian and abstained from alcohol.
- He was a very shy person and hated public speaking.
- He was a brilliant orator and his speeches on the abolition of slavery were very powerful.
- He was a complex and contradictory figure, and his life was marked by both successes and failures.
Learn more about William Wilberforce with this free mini-lesson from CaptivatingCompass.com.
He’s part of the August Calendar of Famous Folks.
Find more FREE Homeschool Printables & Worksheets on our Pinterest boards!
Latest posts by Free Homeschool Deals (see all)
- List of our Top Winter Resources - November 4, 2024
- Why We Love All About Learning Press + a Giveaway!! - November 1, 2024
- How to Introduce Anatomy to your Preschoolers & Kindergartners - October 20, 2024
- Creative Ways to Teach Music in Your Homeschool - September 23, 2024
- Bridge the Reading Gap with a Comprendi™ FREE Trial - September 4, 2024