William Wilberforce was an English politician and social reformer born in 1759. He is best known for his leading role in the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. His efforts spanned nearly 50 years, culminating in the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, which marked a significant step towards ending slavery. In addition to his work on abolition, Wilberforce was a devout Christian and a member of the Clapham Sect, a group of social reformers. He advocated for various social causes, including education, animal welfare, and missionary work, leaving a lasting impact on British society.