Robert Wilberforce was a prominent British politician and social reformer in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is best known for his leading role in the movement to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. A member of the House of Commons, Wilberforce dedicated much of his life to advocating for social justice and humanitarian causes. Born in 1759, Wilberforce became a member of Parliament in 1780. He was influenced by his strong Christian faith and worked tirelessly to promote various reforms, including education and animal welfare. His efforts culminated in the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, which marked a significant victory in the fight against slavery.