Quick Facts: Born: August 24, 1759 Married: May 30, 1797 Died: July 29, 1833 Member of Parliament and deeply religious Christian who was a leader in many social justice causes during his years in Parliament and thereafter. Wilberforce pursued social reforms for children and factory workers, and he sought better treatment of animals. He opposed slavery and advocated abolishing it in the British Empire. Wilberforce became a member of Parliament in 1780 and retired in 1825. His work led to the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and finally to the complete abolition of slavery in 1833.